Bede: The Ecclesiastical History of the English People - Chapter 28

This chapter contains a letter that Pope Gregory wrote in 600/601 AD to Vergilius, the bishop of Arles, in advance of Augustine's visit as a bishop. Gregory advises Vergilius to welcome Augustine with "kindness and goodwill," as they are now spiritual brothers. As if Gregory knew that Augustine's criticism might provoke indignation from Vergilius, he instructs him that if Augustine should notice any faults regarding the "bishops and others," these claims are to be thoroughly investigated.

In the previous chapter, Augustine had written a letter to Gregory asking him "How ought we to deal with the bishops of Gaul and Britain?" This question makes it seem as if some of the bishops were up to no good. What those faults were, were never discussed, but they were probably serious allegations since phrases such as "restore the minds of the depraved"and "check whatever is contrary to our Creator's commands," and "the perverse corrected" are used. Augustine noted these problems and brought it to Gregory's attention. Gregory tells him that he has no jurisdiction over Arles, although he is given authority over the bishops of Britain. However, he is only encouraged to discuss matters and point out his concerns to the bishop in Gaul.

Also, it seems that Augustine was not exactly welcome in Arles. Pope Gregory writes, "The fact that we usually invite our brethren because we love them shows how much affection ought to be lavished on those brethren who come uninvited." Was Augustine vocal in his admonitions? In Chapter 27, he was told that he has no authority over the Gaulish bishops, but was advised to bring up his concerns without "put[ting] a sickle" "through the standing corn of another." Gregory is obviously concerned about what is going on, but does not want Augustine, perhaps in his "zeal," to rub them the wrong way. The word "zeal" is used several times to describe Augustine: "Augustine, the servant of God, of whose zeal we are assured" (p. 38), "If he should happen to be slack in his discipline he must be kindled by your zeal (p. 46).

Augustine is Gregory's trusted man as he was chosen by Gregory to be sent to Britain to convert the people.

Bede: The Ecclesiastical History of the English People - Chapter 27

Bede writes that Augustine went to Arles to be consecrated archbishop of Canterbury by the Archbishop Elutherius who had a longstanding relationship with Rome. However, in the footnote, it is stated that he was probably consecrated bishop before he went to Kent.

Augustine then sends Lawrence and Peter to Pope Gregory in Rome along with some questions about how matters are to be handled. Bede consolidates Augustine’s questions and Pope Gregory’s replies. There are 9 topics:

1. How should bishops live with their clergy and how should donations be shared/divided?

2. Reconciling customs of different churches – e.g., Roman vs. Gaulish churches. Gregory said that it is okay to maintain various local customs that are not part of the Roman church.

3. Punishment for those who rob the church. Gregory’s answer – it depends on circumstances. Harsh punishment, if necessary, meted be done out of love.

4. Marriage between two brothers and two sisters is okay.

5. Marriage between kindred is frowned upon. No grandfather rule for those who convert; if they are already married, they must abstain from intimate relationship. If they abstain, they may take communion.

6. Can a person be made bishop without other bishops to witness the event. Making of a bishop is akin to a marriage and should be celebrated and witnessed.

7. How to deal with bishops in Gaul and Britain. Augustine has no jurisdiction over Gaulish bishops, but Augustine can influence those in Britain.

8. On the topic of women, their menstrual cycles, sex and giving birth.

9. Communion, priests and illicit dreams. Pope Gregory compares it to a 3 step process, “suggestion, pleasure, and consent.”

Bede: The Ecclesiastical History of the English People - Chapter 26

Augustine and his men begin to chant, sing, say mass and preach in the church of St. Martin which was built by the Romans before they left Britain. St. Martin is significant because Queen Bertha, King Aethelberht's Christian wife, prayed here. Bede states that the simplicity and piety of Augustine and the men who followed him inspired many to convert to the their faith, including King Aethelberht. Although the King supports their cause and belief, he does not force his people to convert.

The Church of St. Martin

I wonder if Queen Bertha suggested that they preach here. For a church frequented by a royal person, it is very unassuming and simple.

The following site has some nice pictures of the stained glass windows depicting the Queen, King, St. Martin and Augustine. The pictures can be found by clicking on the links at the bottom of the page:

http://www.saintsandstones.net/saints-stmartinscanterbury-journey.htm