Augustine was born in the early 6th century in Italy and was known as Apostle to the Anglo-Saxons, Apostle to the English or Austin of Canterbury. He was a monk and became the first Archbishop of Canterbury in the year 597 AD.
In 595 AD, Pope Gregory the Great chose Augustine to be the head of a mission to Britain to Christianize King Ethelbert and his Kingdom of Kent from Anglo-Saxon paganism. This mission is commonly known as the Gregorian mission. At that time, Augustine was the prior of the Abbey of Saint Andrew’s in Rome.
Augustine and his delegation reached Kent in 597 AD and tasted some initial success in their mission. King Ethelbert permitted them to settle and preach in Canterbury. Augustine eventually managed to convert and baptize King Ethelbert and this led to more large-scale conversions from the people.
He established his episcopal see at Canterbury and was the first Archbishop of Canterbury. Augustine founded the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul on a land donated by the king. He founded two more bishoprics in Britain in 604 AD.
The King’s School, Canterbury claims that St Augustine is its founder and this would make it the oldest existing School in the world.
Saint Augustine died on May 26, 604 in Canterbury, Kent, England. His remains are buried in St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury.
Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Julius the Veteran
2. Saint Liberius of Ancona
3. Saint Secundus of Troia
4. Saint Bruno of Wurzburg
5. Saint Melangell
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