Saint Justus of Canterbury

Saint Justus of Canterbury, also known as Saint Justus of Rochester, was a Benedictine monk, priest, and missionary to the Anglo-Saxons. He was sent by Pope Saint Gregory the Great in 601 to help spread Christianity among the pagan communities in England. Not much is known about Saint Justus' early life, but it is believed that he was born in Rome, Italy. In 601, at the request of Pope Gregory, Saint Justus embarked on a mission to England along with Saint Augustine of Canterbury and several other companions. Their goal was to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity and establish a Christian presence in the region. Upon arriving in England, Saint Justus worked closely with Saint Augustine, who was appointed as the first Archbishop of Canterbury. Together, they traveled throughout the kingdom, preaching, baptizing, and establishing churches. Their efforts were successful in converting many Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. In 604, Saint Justus was consecrated as the first bishop of Rochester, making him the first bishop to be appointed in England after the arrival of Saint Augustine. He continued his missionary work, spreading the Christian faith and building churches in Rochester and its surrounding areas. However, in 616, the death of King Saint Ethelbert of Kent brought about a resurgence of paganism in the kingdom. In the face of opposition, Saint Justus and Saint Mellitus of Canterbury, another prominent missionary, were forced to retreat to Gaul (modern-day France). They returned to England and resumed their work in 617, when the situation became more favorable. After the death of Archbishop Saint Mellitus in 624, Saint Justus was appointed as the eighth Archbishop of Canterbury. In this position, he continued to promote Christianity, provide leadership to the Church, and work towards the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons. Saint Justus' representation is often depicted as an archbishop carrying a Primatial cross, symbolizing his role as the head of the Church in Canterbury. His feast day is celebrated on November 10th. Saint Justus died in 627, of natural causes, and was buried in Saint Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury, England. Although he is not officially recognized as a patron saint of any specific cause, he is venerated as a significant figure in the early Christian history of England. Saint Justus of Canterbury was canonized before the formal process of canonization was established. As a pre-congregation saint, his sainthood was acknowledged and accepted by popular devotion and tradition. His life and work as a missionary and Archbishop of Canterbury played a crucial role in the establishment of Christianity in England. Saint Justus' dedication and contributions are remembered and honored by the Catholic Church to this day.