By I tweeted this morning a brief note about Augustine of Canterbury. The optional memorial to celebrate this "other" St. Augustine is on the calendar for May 27. As I read briefly about this St. Augustine it occurred to me that we have such a great blessing in the communion of saints through the ages and very often I have to admit I know very little about a lot of them. St. Augustine of Canterbury lived approximately two hundred years after his much more famous namesake. As the more famous Augustine was bishop of Hippo, this St. Augustine was bishop of Canterbury and he died around 604 AD.
Although in terms of the world and in terms of Church history one of these Augustine's had much more of an impact than the other, in terms of the Kingdom of God both served as faithful disciples. It is a reminder to all of us that recognition by the world and even by the Church is not our goal. Instead the goal of all the baptized is that we seek the kingdom in this life and that we share in the life of the kingdom in life everlasting. Hopefully St. Augustine of Canterbury can remind us all that none of us are insignificant when it comes to living and sharing the message fo Jesus Christ.
Joseph Strickland
Bishop Joseph E. Strickland was named the fourth bishop of Tyler in September of 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. Prior to being named bishop, he served a number of roles in the diocese, including vicar general, judicial vicar, and pastor of the Cathedral parish. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1985. 