By Christina Hermoso
Roman Catholics honor Monday the like and works of Saint Augustine (San Agustin) of Canterbury, the well-loved patron saint of England, and the founder of the English Church.
Saint Augustine (San Agustin) of Canterbury (WIKIMEDIA COMMONS / MANILA BULLETIN)
Popularly known as the “Apostle to the English”, St. Augustine was a Benedictine monk.
He was serving as the abbot of St. Andrew’s Abbey in Rome, Italy when he was sent on an important mission by Pope Gregory the Great, along with 30 other missionaries, to evangelize England.
As the first evangelizer of England, St. Augustine initiated the building of a Catholic church and a monastery dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul and established new dioceses throughout the country.
As the first archbishop of Canterbury, he patiently and tirelessly spread the Word of God all over England for eight years and was able to convert thousands to the faith.
Born in Rome, Italy during the 6th century, St. Augustine died in the year 604.