the week of May 24, 2026
Resource of the Week: Ben Sasse on Living While Dying
Ross Douthat, New York Times Columnist and host of the Interesting Times podcast, interviews former Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) on his previous, current, and future life as a Christian, husband, father, politician, and man who has only months to live. A fascinating account of Washinton politics, faith, and making the most of our lives. The links below are the YouTube video and the Spotify audio podcast, but this episode can be found on most podcast platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CFo6-6BN9k https://open.spotify.com/episode/5latbn8FhCsrNArvZHrinc |
Sent by Pope Saint Gregory the Great, his mission re-established Roman Christianity among the Anglo-Saxons and founded the English Church’s obedience to the Apostolic See.
Early Life and Mission Born in Italy in the early sixth century, Augustine became Prior of the monastery of Saint Andrew on Rome’s Caelian Hill under Gregory’s guidance. In 595 Gregory selected him to lead a missionary party of about forty monks to Britain. After initial hesitation prompted by fears of the Anglo-Saxons, the group landed on the Isle of Thanet in Kent in spring 597. Ministry in England (597–604) King Æthelberht of Kent, whose Christian Frankish wife Bertha already worshipped in Canterbury, received them favorably. On Pentecost 597 the king was baptized, followed by thousands of his subjects. Augustine was consecrated bishop and established his see at Canterbury, founding Christ Church and the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul (later Saint Augustine’s Abbey). Pope Gregory sent reinforcements in 601 with the pallium, books, and relics. Augustine created dioceses at London and Rochester, reconsecrated former Roman churches, and introduced Roman liturgy. Attempts to unite with the existing British (Celtic) Christians at Augustine’s Oak met limited success due to differences in custom. Works and Legacy In only seven or eight years, Augustine secured the conversion of Kent, restored the Roman ecclesiastical hierarchy in southern England, and laid the institutional foundations of the English Church. He died on 26 May 604 in Canterbury and was buried in his abbey. Venerated as a saint, his feast is observed on 26 May. His prudent obedience to Rome and adaptive missionary strategy proved decisive for the Christianization of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Saint Augustine stands as the pivotal figure who reconnected England to the greater Western Church, sowing seeds that later flowered at the Synod of Whitby and into full communion. May we demonstrate such patience and persistence when faced with challenges to the body of Christ. |
the week of May 17, 2026
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Recommended Resource:
The Classic Anglican Chronicles A regular online series of articles written from the classic Anglican perspective. From church history, to sermons, to interviews, The Classic Anglican Chronicles provide information and inspiration to men and women seeking to learn and grown in their faith in Christ. Parishioners from St. George's will recognize some of the contributors who are or who have been part of our worship and fellowship in our church. https://www.anglican.training/classicanglicanchronicles |
Saint Mayeul (also called Majolus or Maieul) was born about the year 906 in the southern French town of Avignon. His family was noble, but he lost his parents while still young because of wars and attacks by Muslim raiders from the sea. As a boy he was sent to live with relatives farther north. There he became a priest, served as a high-ranking church official, and became known for his learning, kindness, and care for the poor.
One story tells how, during a terrible famine, Mayeul prayed for the hungry. Suddenly seven gold coins appeared before him—an answer from God that he used to feed the starving. Although important Church leaders wanted to make him an archbishop, Mayeul humbly refused. Around the year 942 he joined the monastery of Cluny in eastern France. Cluny was already famous for trying to live the strict and holy Rule of Saint Benedict, which guides monks to pray, work, and live simply for God. In 965 he became the fourth Abbot (the leader) of Cluny. He accepted this duty only after seeing a vision of Saint Benedict urging him on. How He Served God Abbot Mayeul travelled constantly—often on foot—visiting monasteries and royal courts to encourage better Christian living. He taught the monks to read only the Bible and holy books, so their minds would stay fixed on God and not on worldly stories. He ate little, spoke little, and gave secret help to the poor. Many miracles happened through his prayers: sick people were healed, blind men received sight, and once empty fishing nets were filled with a large fish after he blessed them. He also helped spread the practice of receiving the Sacrament of the Sick (Extreme Unction) with greater faith and devotion. What He Built and Reformed Under Mayeul the great church at Cluny was rebuilt and made more beautiful. He brought back important relics of Saints Peter and Paul from Rome. Many other monasteries in France, Germany, and Italy asked for his help to return to a holier way of life. He sent his well-trained monks to lead these houses, creating a growing family of monasteries all linked to Cluny. This network became a powerful force for renewing the Church across Europe. Emperor Otto the Great and other rulers trusted him as an adviser. Once, while travelling in the Alps, Mayeul was captured by Muslim pirates. After his release, the local Christian nobles were so moved that they attacked and destroyed the pirates’ base. Mayeul was also offered the highest honour—the papacy itself—but he refused, saying he was not worthy. His Peaceful Death In 991 he chose a younger monk named Odilo to help lead Cluny. In 994, though old and tired, he set out at the request of the King of France to reform the important abbey of Saint-Denis near Paris. He fell ill on the journey and died peacefully on 11 May 994 at a small Cluniac priory in Souvigny. He was 88 years old. The king himself came to his funeral. Many miracles, including the raising of a dead child, took place at his tomb, showing that God honoured His faithful servant. Saint Mayeul is buried beside Saint Odilo at Souvigny. His feast day is celebrated on 11 May. A Lesson for Us Today Saint Mayeul wrote no books, but the monasteries he reformed and the example he gave became a great strength for the Church in a difficult century. In our own busy and troubled world, his life reminds us that humble prayer, firm discipline, and quiet obedience to God can bring lasting renewal. O God, who raised up Saint Mayeul as a bright lamp in dark times, grant us through his prayers a deeper love for Your house and strength to live holy lives. Amen. |
