He did what the Pope could not

Gregory was not a missionary, he was the Pope, but there was a missionary endeavor that called to his heart.

Augustine was not a missionary, he was a monk, but when the Pope chose him to lead this missionary endeavor in his place, he could not refuse.

In the end, after many adventures and challenges, the missionary effort was successful and this monk became the first bishop of what would become a one of the world’s most famous archbishoprics.

St. Augustine of Canterbury, sent by Pope St. Gregory the Great to be Apostle of England, died 1403 years ago yesterday and his memory is celebrated on this day.

(adapted from an earlier post)