According to the writings of St Bede the Venerable, St Adrian (or Hadrian) was born in North Africa, appointed Abbot of a monastery near Naples in Italy and died in 710.
Pope Vitalian offered him the position of Archbishop of Canterbury on two separate occasions but he declined, citing his unworthiness. When St Theodore of Tarsus, a friend whom he recommended for the post, was appointed instead, St Adrian agreed to accompany him on his ministerial journey. Later, St Theodore appointed him as Abbot of St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury.
St Adrian was a distinguished theologian, attracting many scholars and followers. As well as establishing the Abbey as a renowned Centre of Learning, St Adrian travelled throughout the country with St Theodore, cultivating the Christian faith everywhere they went.
St Adrian remained at St Augustine’s Abbey until his death, for 39 years. His Feast Day is the 9th of January.
St Adrian:
Pray for us that our faith will never die.
Glory be…
