Archbishop Smith inaugurates Shrine of St Augustine

Base of St Augustine altar

History was made on Sunday when the official shrine of Saint Augustine at Pugin’s personal church in Ramsgate, was formally inaugurated by Archbishop Peter Smith of Southwark. The event marked the beginning of St Augustine’s week, during which there are a number of historical and cultural events taking place, including talks and lectures inside the church as well as walks, visits and processions. (see list below or ICN Listings)

Archbishop Peter told a packed St Augustine’s church: “St Augustine is the Apostle of England and the secondary patron of the Archdiocese of Southwark, so it seems fitting that we should have a shrine here, in St Augustine’s church, to honour that great saint and encourage devotion to him, and for pilgrims to learn more about the history of Christianity in England”

Fr Marcus Holden the parish priest and custodian of St Augustine’s commented: “We are delighted that this year’s St Augustine’s week started with the inauguration of his Shrine. We hope that we will attract more visitors to come and enjoy visiting Pugin’s favourite church. We are still trying to rescue the church as a great work of architecture and there is still much to do, but the shrine gives the church a fitting spiritual significance and will help us to continue to restore the site.”

The church is presently being restored and brought back to its former glory and major celebrations are planned this year surrounding the feast day of St Augustine. The shrine will highlight the close bond between Rome and England as St Augustine was sent on his mission directly by Pope Gregory the Great.

The full text of Archbishop Peter Sith's homily follows:

What is a shrine, and why establish a diocesan shrine here in St Augustine’s church in Ramsgate? Well, a shrine according to Canon Law is described as “a church or other sacred place which, with the approval of the local Ordinary, is by reason of special devotion frequented by the faithful as pilgrims.” St Augustine is the Apostle of England and the secondary patron of the Archdiocese of Southwark, so it seems fitting that we should have a shrine here, in St Augustine’s church, to honour that great saint and encourage devotion to him, and for pilgrims to learn more about the history of Christianity in England.

The first evidence of Christianity in Roman Britain dates back to the second century, and St Alban, the first martyr was put to death round about the year 304. With the withdrawal of Roman soldiers in 407 and the subsequent invasion by the Saxons, Angles, and Jutes in the fifth and sixth centuries, Christianity in England died out. It continued to exist in Wales and by the early 5th century it had spread to Ireland. In the 5th and 6th centuries Scotland was also converted, but cut off from the Holy See, Christians formed a distinctive Celtic Church.

Sent to England by Pope Gregory to re-establish Christianity, Augustine landed at Ebbsfleet in 597, and began the work of proclaiming the Gospel. Despite some resistance at first, Augustine succeeded in his mission, converting King Ethelbert and many of his people, and founding the first cathedral in Canterbury.

Augustus Welby Pugin built this church here because, he said, “blessed Austin landed nearby”, and he wanted this church to be a memorial to him and to the early English saints.

In this very secular age, it seems to me to be very fitting to establish this church as a diocesan shrine, as a place of pilgrimage and devotion, and as a centre for people to come and learn more about the roots of Christianity in England and its importance in building our culture over so many centuries. It will also be a sign and symbol that the proclamation of the Gospel continues today in the great tradition of St Augustine, and will continue in the years to come whatever the difficulties we may encounter. It is the “good news” which will bring new life and hope to a nation which has in so many ways lost its way; the good news of God’s unconditional love for all men and women; the good news of his infinite compassion, mercy and readiness to forgive and reconcile; the good news which brings hope and vigour to all who want to help build God’s kingdom of love, justice and peace and make our country and the world a better place in which all can grow and flourish.

Saint Augustine's Week

 Tuesday 22nd May 7.30pm - Open Augustine Lecture: The English Saints,
 Pugin and the Conversion of England- Fr Marcus Holden (St Ethelbert’s Parish Hall)
 
Wednesday 23rd May 7pm - Open Pugin lecture: The architecture of St Augustine’s – Dr Timothy Brittain-Catlin, Kent School of Architecture (St Augustine’s Church)

Thursday 24th May 2pm-5pm - A Pugin Ramble Around Ramsgate with Catriona Blaker of the Pugin Society - Begins outside the Granville theatre, Ramsgate 7.30pm - The Great English Pilgrimage Tradition – Joanna
Bogle, broadcaster and writer (St Ethelbert’s Parish Hall)

Friday 25th May 2pm - Mass at 2pm at St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury 3pm - A tour of Saints and Shrines in Canterbury with Joanna Bogle and Fr Marcus Holden (meet outside St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury)
 
Saturday 26th May 10.30am - Solemn Procession from St Augustine’s along the Royal Esplanade
11.30am - Solemn Latin High Mass in honour of St Augustine organised by the Victoria Consort – Guest preacher and celebrant Fr John Saward, writer and theologian 6pm – Solemn Vespers of Pentecost (with guest choir from Holy Redeemer Church, Chelsea)
 
Sunday 27th May 3pm - The Augustine Sermon at St Augustine’s Cross followed by solemn procession to Minster Abbey – guest preacher Fr Ed Tomlinson of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Tea and
refreshments at Parkminster and enjoy the local art and crafts exhibition

Monday 28th May 7.30pm - Solemnity of St Augustine in the Ordinary Form with St Ethelbert’s Parish Choir

St Augustine’s Church will be open from 10am to 4pm ea during St Augustine’s week (except on 28th May)
Addresses of main venues: St Ethelbert's, 72 Hereson Rd, Ramsgate, CT11 7DS;
St Augustine’s Church, St Augustine's Rd, Ramsgate

See earlier report on ICN: www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=20413