Thought for the Day – 9 January – The Memorial of St Adrian of Canterbury (c 635-710)
Though Saint Adrian turned down a papal request to become Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Saint Vitalian accepted the rejection on the condition that Adrian serve as the Holy Father’s assistant and adviser. Adrian accepted but ended up spending most of his life and doing most of his work in Canterbury.
Thanks to his leadership skills, the facility became one of the most important centers of learning. The school attracted many outstanding scholars from far and wide and produced numerous future bishops and archbishops.
Adrian taught at the school for 40 years. He died there, probably in the year 710 and was buried in the monastery. Several hundred years later, when reconstruction was being done, Adrian’s body was discovered in an incorrupt state. As word spread, people flocked to his tomb, which became famous for miracles. So St Adrian spent most of his time in Canterbury after all, not as bishop but as abbot and teacher.
Often the Lord has plans for us that are obvious only on hindsight. How often have we said no to something or someone only to end up in much the same place anyway. The Lord knows what’s good for us. Can we trust Him?
St Adrian of Canterbury, pray for us!
AnaStpaul 