St. Augustine was born in the early sixth century in Rome. Augustine was the prior of the Benedictine monastery of St. Andrew on the Coelian Hill in Rome. In 596, Pope Gregory the Great assigned St. Augustine and 40 other monks to spread Christianity in England. Disturbed by rumors of the brutality of the locals, the missionaries considered returning mid-way. However, Pope Gregory encouraged them to carry out their mission. They were received hospitably by King Ethelbert of Kent and invited to live at Canterbury. Entering in solemn procession with an image of Our Lord and a Cross, and chanting an ancient litany, they immediately established their Benedictine routine alongside their preaching mission. The King, who had married the Frankish Princess Bertha, a Catholic, was deeply impressed by Augustine's spiritual message and personal sanctity and asked for baptism at Pentecost. More than 10,000 of his subjects were baptized the day following Christmas.
In the following autumn, St Augustine was consecrated as Archbishop of Canterbury by St Virgilius, Archbishop of Arles. He had jurisdiction over all the southern British dioceses that were being established. However, he faced difficulties in convincing the Celtic Bishops of Wales to support the evangelization of the Anglo-Saxon conquerors and follow the Roman practice of determining the Easter date. Despite this, Augustine persisted with patience and laid the foundations for others to continue his work. He is recognized as the "Apostle to the English" and a significant figure in establishing the Church of England. After seven years in England, St Augustine passed away on May 26, 605, leaving behind a legacy of 12 new dioceses.
St Augustine of Canterbury, obtain for us the courage and dedication to spread the Good News to everyone we encounter.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love (Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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