Augustine of Canterbury (?-604) was the apostle to the English nation and the first Archbishop of Canterbury. A monk in Rome, he was called by Pope Gregory I to lead a band of missionaries to England. The group landed in 597. As they entered Canterbury, carrying a silver cross and a picture of our Saviour before them, they sang these words:
“We beseech Thee, O Lord, in all Thy mercy that Thy wrath and Thine anger may be turned from this city and Thy Holy House, though we have sinned. Alleluia.”
Their preaching turned thousands of the English to Christianity, including the king.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, in all Thy mercy that Thy wrath and Thine anger may be turned from Canterbury and the Church of England, though we have sinned. Alleluia.
Hat tip: SF
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