Kent, a county in England, has a rich Catholic history with connections to numerous saints and blesseds. Canon Marcus Holden describes Kent as an 'epicenter of holiness'. The article highlights the significant impact of Kent's Catholic history on the world.
16 days ago
The English county of Kent, despite its relatively small size, is considered a significant "epicenter of holiness" due to its close links with potentially as many as 80 saints and blesseds 1. Canon Marcus Holden, who established the Shrine of St. Augustine of Canterbury, suggests Kent may have more canonized saints than any other English county 1. This rich history stems from Kent being the cradle of Christianity in England, influencing the spread of Christian attitudes and faith globally through British colonization 1.
Kent is home to numerous well-known saints from the pre-Reformation era. St. Augustine of Canterbury, the 6th-century chief evangelizer, began his mission in Kent, establishing Christianity in England 1. His work was crucial; without it, Western Christianity would have developed differently, impacting the faith in future colonies 1.
St. Thomas Becket, a 12th-century martyr and Archbishop of Canterbury, inspired immense devotion and miracles following his death 1. Another significant figure is St. Simon Stock, who played a leading role in establishing the Carmelite Order in Europe at Aylesford, Kent, and is famous for receiving the Brown Scapular from the Blessed Virgin Mary 1. This connection highlights a "huge Fatima link with Kent," as Our Lady appeared at Fatima holding both a scapular and Rosary 1.
Among the 20 canonized Archbishops of Canterbury between the 6th and 13th centuries are St. Anselm, St. Alphege, St. Theodore, and the missionary saints Mellitus, Justus, and Paulinus 1. Lesser-known but equally remarkable saints include St. William of Perth, a baker martyred for his charity, and St. Gundulf, an 11th-century bishop of Rochester known for his architectural prowess, credited with designs for the Tower of London and Rochester Castle 1.
The county also boasts significant women saints, such as St. Bertha, a 6th-century Christian queen whose private chapel became St. Martin’s church in Canterbury, reputedly the oldest continuously used church in the English-speaking world 1. St. Mildred of Thanet, an 8th-century abbess, and her mother, St. Domne Eafe, a Kentish princess and founder of Minster Abbey, also contributed to Kent's holy heritage 1. More recently, the relics of St. Eanswythe, a 7th-century foundress of possibly England's first convent, were authenticated in 2020, believed to be the earliest verified remains of an English saint 1.
Kent also produced many Catholic martyrs during the Reformation, though not all are fully recognized 1. St. John Stone, an Augustinian friar, was executed in 1538 for refusing to accept Henry VIII’s supremacy over the Church 1. Elizabeth Barton, known as the "Holy Maid of Kent," was executed in 1534 for her prophecies, including one warning Henry VIII of "danger of hell" 1. Despite not being formally recognized by the Church, prayers to her have reportedly resulted in many blessings 1.
These pre-Reformation saints "lived the faith" daily, while Reformation saints faced persecution and martyrdom for their Catholic beliefs 1.
Efforts are underway to raise awareness of Kent's saints and blesseds, integrating them back into contemporary prayer life and spiritual reality 1. John Coverdale co-founded the Way of St. Augustine pilgrimage route and helped establish the Shrine to St. Augustine in 2012, aiming to "bring them alive again" 1. Pilgrimage routes, such as the four "Canterbury Caminos," allow the faithful to visit places linked to these saints, fostering a sense of spiritual closeness 1. Canon Holden notes that people, particularly Americans, are excited to discover these saints and draw lessons from their lives, recognizing them as "very powerful intercessors" 1.
What is the Church's teaching on intercession of saints?
Kent, a county in England, has a rich Catholic history with connections to numerous saints and blesseds. Canon Marcus Holden describes Kent as an 'epicenter of holiness'. The article highlights the significant impact of Kent's Catholic history on the world.
16 days ago
The English county of Kent, despite its relatively small size, is considered a significant "epicenter of holiness" due to its close links with potentially as many as 80 saints and blesseds 1. Canon Marcus Holden, who established the Shrine of St. Augustine of Canterbury, suggests Kent may have more canonized saints than any other English county 1. This rich history stems from Kent being the cradle of Christianity in England, influencing the spread of Christian attitudes and faith globally through British colonization 1.
Kent is home to numerous well-known saints from the pre-Reformation era. St. Augustine of Canterbury, the 6th-century chief evangelizer, began his mission in Kent, establishing Christianity in England 1. His work was crucial; without it, Western Christianity would have developed differently, impacting the faith in future colonies 1.
St. Thomas Becket, a 12th-century martyr and Archbishop of Canterbury, inspired immense devotion and miracles following his death 1. Another significant figure is St. Simon Stock, who played a leading role in establishing the Carmelite Order in Europe at Aylesford, Kent, and is famous for receiving the Brown Scapular from the Blessed Virgin Mary 1. This connection highlights a "huge Fatima link with Kent," as Our Lady appeared at Fatima holding both a scapular and Rosary 1.
Among the 20 canonized Archbishops of Canterbury between the 6th and 13th centuries are St. Anselm, St. Alphege, St. Theodore, and the missionary saints Mellitus, Justus, and Paulinus 1. Lesser-known but equally remarkable saints include St. William of Perth, a baker martyred for his charity, and St. Gundulf, an 11th-century bishop of Rochester known for his architectural prowess, credited with designs for the Tower of London and Rochester Castle 1.
The county also boasts significant women saints, such as St. Bertha, a 6th-century Christian queen whose private chapel became St. Martin’s church in Canterbury, reputedly the oldest continuously used church in the English-speaking world 1. St. Mildred of Thanet, an 8th-century abbess, and her mother, St. Domne Eafe, a Kentish princess and founder of Minster Abbey, also contributed to Kent's holy heritage 1. More recently, the relics of St. Eanswythe, a 7th-century foundress of possibly England's first convent, were authenticated in 2020, believed to be the earliest verified remains of an English saint 1.
Kent also produced many Catholic martyrs during the Reformation, though not all are fully recognized 1. St. John Stone, an Augustinian friar, was executed in 1538 for refusing to accept Henry VIII’s supremacy over the Church 1. Elizabeth Barton, known as the "Holy Maid of Kent," was executed in 1534 for her prophecies, including one warning Henry VIII of "danger of hell" 1. Despite not being formally recognized by the Church, prayers to her have reportedly resulted in many blessings 1.
These pre-Reformation saints "lived the faith" daily, while Reformation saints faced persecution and martyrdom for their Catholic beliefs 1.
Efforts are underway to raise awareness of Kent's saints and blesseds, integrating them back into contemporary prayer life and spiritual reality 1. John Coverdale co-founded the Way of St. Augustine pilgrimage route and helped establish the Shrine to St. Augustine in 2012, aiming to "bring them alive again" 1. Pilgrimage routes, such as the four "Canterbury Caminos," allow the faithful to visit places linked to these saints, fostering a sense of spiritual closeness 1. Canon Holden notes that people, particularly Americans, are excited to discover these saints and draw lessons from their lives, recognizing them as "very powerful intercessors" 1.
What is the Church's teaching on intercession of saints?
The Catholic Church teaches that saints, who are united with Christ in heaven, intercede for those on earth through their prayers . This practice is rooted in the belief in the "communion of saints," which encompasses believers on earth, souls in purgatory, and saints in heaven, all united in the Body of Christ .
The intercession of saints is understood as their most exalted service to God's plan . Saints in heaven, having entered into the joy of their Master, continue to care for those on earth by contemplating God and offering prayers . They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, showing forth the merits they won on earth through Jesus Christ, who is the one Mediator between God and humanity .
The Church's teaching on intercession is supported by tradition and scripture. The Council of Trent affirmed that saints reigning with Christ offer their prayers to God for humanity, and it is good and useful to invoke them and seek their aid . St. Thomas Aquinas explained that prayer can be offered to a person in two ways: either as to be granted by them directly (which applies only to God), or as to be obtained through them, by their prayers and merits . The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the pilgrim Church is associated with the prayer of the saints and asks for their intercession .
The veneration and invocation of saints do not detract from Christ's unique role as the sole Mediator between God and man . Instead, it draws believers closer to Jesus . The prayers of the saints are efficacious because they are offered through Christ, our Redeemer and Savior . Every genuine testimony of love shown to those in heaven tends toward and terminates in Christ, who is the "crown of all saints," and through Him, in God .
Saints serve as models of prayer and guides for living a holy life . Their lives provide examples of how to live and practice prayer . Furthermore, the relationship with saints can be understood as a form of friendship, where believers can turn to them, especially in times of difficulty, and ask for their intercession . This devotion is an expression of love and a bond that unites the community of believers on earth and in heaven .
The practice of venerating saints strengthens the unity of the entire Body of Christ in the Spirit, bringing believers closer to Christ . It fosters a deeper love for Christ and the Holy Trinity . The Church also commends the dead to God's mercy and offers prayers, especially the Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist, on their behalf, by virtue of the communion of saints .