January 9, 2024

Today, the Church celebrates Saint Adrian of Canterbury. The famous Abbot of Saint Augustine's in Canterbury, was likely born in Libya Cyrenaica, North Africa. Adrian decided to become a monk early in life and eventually abbot of Nerida, not far from Naples. Adrian became a valuable advisor to the pontiff and, three years later, was offered the position of Archbishop of Canterbury. He declined the papal appointment, but was persuaded to accompany Theodore to England as a trusted counselor. After spending time in France, he arrived in Britain and immediately succeeded Benedict Biscop as Abbot of Saint Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury. He established a flourishing monastic school, where many future bishops and abbots were educated in Latin, Greek, scripture, theology, Roman law and arithmetic. Saint Adrain died on January 9 at Canterbury, Kent. Several hundred years after his death, Adrian’s body was discovered in an incorrupt state. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-adrian-of-canterbury-111