Saint Adrian of Canterbury – Feast Day – January 9
Saint Adrian of Canterbury was born in North Africa between 630 and 637 AD. He lived as a scholar and as an Abbot of Saint Peter’s and Paul’s in Canterbury. He died in 709 AD and was buried in his monastery in Canterbury, England. His feast day is celebrated on January 9.
Saint Adrian of Canterbury’s Life History
Adrian most likely was born in North Africa, between 630 and 637 AD. Much about his early life or family history, is unknown, but it is evident that he was intelligent because it is said that he spoke Greek and Latin fluently.
His location is revealed when it is claimed that he turned down two offers of the archbishopric from Pope Vitalian, first recommending the honour to a monk in a nearby monastery who politely denied it and then to his buddy Theodore of Tarsus who gladly accepted it. However, he was told to travel with Theodore to Rome just before they continued on to northern France.
Adrian was briefly held by Ebrion because he might be an emissary for the Greek Empire sent to cause trouble, but after it appeared that the charges were unfounded, he was released and made his way to England. He was appointed there as the abbot of Canterbury’s Saints Peter and Paul’s Abbey. Because of his leadership, the monastery rose in stature and esteem. He was known for being an accomplished teacher and administrator, fluent in Greek and Latin, and deeply devoted to the Bible.
As he was known to have visited the island to educate scholars and crowds on the realities of religion, literature, and sciences, Adrian was referred to as a great theologian. He oversaw the monastery for around 39 years before passing away and being buried there in 709 AD.
Saint Adrian of Canterbury’s Birth
He was born between 630 and 637 AD in North Africa.
Saint Adrian of Canterbury’s Death
He died in 709 AD and was buried in his monastery in Canterbury, England.
Saint Adrian of Canterbury’s Profession
He lived as a scholar and as an Abbot of Saint Peter’s and Paul’s in Canterbury.
Saint Adrian of Canterbury’s Nationality
He was African in Nationality.
Ethnicity
He was Berber, a North-African native tribe.
Canonization
He was canonized pre-congregation.
Saint Adrian of Canterbury’s Feast Day
His feast day is celebrated on January 9.
Major Shrines
His major shrine is ‘Saint Peter’s and Paul’s Abbey,’ which was subsequently named St. Augustine’s, in Canterbury, England.
Saint Adrian of Canterbury is the Patron Saint of
He is the patron saint of Libya.
Source reading: Catholic Daily Readings. (n.d.). Saints whose feast Day is January 9 Archives. [online] Available at: https://catholicreadings.org/tag/saints-whose-feast-day-is-january-9/ [Accessed 9 Jan. 2023].
Image Anon, (n.d.). CatholicSaints.Info» Blog Archive» Saint Adrian of Canterbury. [online] Available at: http://catholicsaints.info/saint-adrian-of-canterbury/ [Accessed 9 Jan. 2023].