Novena to St. Augustine of Canterbury Begins Today

May 18, 2026: Long before Christianity became firmly rooted in England, St. Augustine of Canterbury answered a difficult call to mission and evangelisation. Today, Catholics remember his courage and faith through a special novena prayed ahead of his feast day.

The Novena to St. Augustine of Canterbury is prayed by the faithful as a spiritual preparation for his feast celebrated on May 27. Through nine days of prayer and reflection, Catholics seek the grace of courage, wisdom, perseverance, and deeper trust in God, inspired by the missionary journey of the saint.

St. Augustine of Canterbury is remembered as the monk sent by Pope Gregory the Great in the year 597 to bring Christianity to Anglo-Saxon England. Accompanied by fellow missionaries, Augustine travelled to Kent despite fears and uncertainties about the mission ahead.

At the time, much of England had returned to pagan practices after the fall of the Roman Empire. However, Augustine’s mission found support through King Æthelberht of Kent and Queen Bertha, who was already a Christian. His preaching and witness gradually led to many conversions and the strengthening of Christian communities across the region.

The novena reflects on virtues seen in Augustine’s life, including obedience, humility, patience, missionary zeal, and faith during difficult moments. Many Catholics pray the novena asking for guidance in times of uncertainty and courage to remain faithful to God’s call.

As the first Archbishop of Canterbury, St. Augustine established churches, encouraged monastic life, and helped organise the Church in England according to Roman Christian traditions. Because of his missionary efforts, he is honoured as the “Apostle to the English.”

Today, the Novena to St. Augustine of Canterbury continues to inspire believers around the world to step forward in faith despite fear or uncertainty. His story remains a reminder that God can work through those who are willing to trust Him completely.

CLICK HERE to pray the novena

By Catholic Connect Reporter