Saint Honoratus of Canterbury

Biography

Saint Honoratus of Canterbury, also known as Honorius or Onorio, was a Benedictine monk and missionary who played a significant role in the early establishment of Christianity in England. He was born in Rome, Italy, but his exact date of birth is unknown. In 597, Pope Gregory the Great sent a group of missionaries, led by Saint Augustine of Canterbury, to England with the purpose of reestablishing Christianity in the region. At the request of Saint Augustine, Saint Honoratus joined this mission and traveled to England as part of the Benedictine Order. Upon his arrival, Saint Honoratus was ordained as a bishop by Saint Paulinus of York at Lincoln, England. His role in this early phase was vital, as he helped spread the word of God and established churches throughout the country. His missionary work was marked by a deep commitment to educating and evangelizing the local population. In 627, Saint Honoratus was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest position within the Church in England at that time. As the Archbishop, he continued his efforts to strengthen Christianity in the region by ordaining bishops and priests and supervising church operations. One of his significant contributions was the ordination of Saint Felix of East Anglia as the bishop for the East Angles. This act not only solidified the Christian presence in this specific region but also helped in the further spread of Christianity in that area. Additionally, Saint Honoratus ordained Saint Ithamar as the bishop of Rochester, further establishing the faith in that part of England. Saint Honoratus passed away in 653 in Canterbury, England, of natural causes. After his death, his relics were preserved in the Saint Peter and Paul's church in Canterbury as a sign of devotion and remembrance. Although Saint Honoratus did not have any specific patronage or representation, his legacy lives on through his work in the early Christianization of England. His commitment to the faith and his dedication to educating and guiding the local population earned him recognition as a saint. He was canonized prior to the official establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Today, Saint Honoratus of Canterbury is venerated as a symbol of the early efforts to bring Christianity back to England and is remembered on his feast day, which falls on September 30th.