Day 265 -- Saint Augustine of Canterbury

Saint Augustine of Canterbury was born in Rome and was a monk and abbot of Saint Andrew's abbey in Rome. He, along with 40 brother monks, including Saint Lawrence of Canterbury, were sent by Pope Saint Gregory the Great to evangelize the British Isles in 597. He established the faith throughout England and he converted King Aethelberht and he brought 10,000 people into the Church. He was ordained a bishop in modern-day France and he was the first Archbishop of Canterbury, England. During his time as archbishop he reestablished relations between the Celtic and Latin churches. He also worked with Saint Justus of Canterbury. He died of natural causes in Canterbury on May 26, 605. His relics are outside the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Canterbury. This was a building project he started.