Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop

Today is the feast of an Italian Benedictine monk who became known as the “Apostle to the English”.
Though early missionary attempts were made, the Gospel, Christianity failed to take root amongst in England, except in small pockets of Celts.
Around 595, Pope Gregory the Great sent a delegation of forty monks including Augustine.
They constructed a church and monastery at Canterbury, on the site where the present and famous Canterbury Cathedral now stands. Augustine was consecrated its first Bishop. And by 597, thousands of people were coming to actively seek baptism.
In a letter to Augustine, Pope Gregory the Great wrote: “He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps.”
We also live in a culture much like that which Augustine found upon his arrival to England: vestiges of the Christian faith mingled with pagan elements.
In a letter to Augustine, Pope Gregory the Great wrote: “He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps.”
The task of evangelization might seem like a lofty mountain, and there will often be that temptation to return home out of fear with our task incomplete, but we can make great inroads through small steps: conversations with non-Catholics, small acts of charity towards strangers, imitating Christ in all of our attitudes and choices.
Through the prayerful intercession and holy example of St. Augustine of Canterbury may we be faithful to all the Lord calls us to this day for the glory of God and salvation of souls.