Augustine of Canterbury, Missionary to the Saxons – May 27 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on May 27, 2024, on how Christianity in England was reestablished after the Anglo-Saxon invasion by the efforts of missionaries, particularly by St. Augustine.

Christianity reached England by the 2nd century. Tertullian and Origen noted Christians there. St. Patrick evangelized Ireland from England. After the Saxon conquest, Christianity declined until Pope Gregory the Great sent missionaries led by St. Augustine in 596. King Ethelbert of Kent converted in 597, and many followed. St. Augustine became England's Primate in 601. Despite challenges, he established a lasting Christian foundation. His successors continued his work. Henry VIII's 1531 break from Rome and the destruction of relics changed England's religious landscape. Let us entrust England’s return to the Church to Mary.

00:00 - Gospel in England's Early Days
00:32 - St. Patrick Evangelizes Ireland
01:10 - St. Gregory's Mission Plan
01:37 - Queen Bertha's Influence
02:05 - St. Augustine's Mission to Kent
03:04 - Establishing Canterbury's Monastery
03:45 - King Ethelbert's Baptism
05:00 - Conflict with Celtic Christians

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Augustine of Canterbury - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=25
Readings: Monday 8th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052724.cfm
1st: 1pe 1:3-9
Resp: psa 111:1-2, 5-6, 9-10
Gsp: mar 10:17-27

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1081&r=1607

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