St.
Adrian was North African Berber by birth. Known for his virtue and
learning, while Abbot of Nerida, near Naples, he was twice invited by
Pope St. Vitalian to travel to England as the new Archbishop of
Canterbury. In his humility, he first proposed a fellow monk for the
position. When it was again offered to him, he recommended Theodore of
Tarsus in his stead, finally accepting the Pope's condition that he
accompany Theodore as his assistant and adviser.
St. Theodore
made St. Adrian Abbot of the Monastery of Sts. Peter and Paul, later
known as the Abbey of St. Augustine at Canterbury. Under his influence,
the monastic school became a center of learning and virtue with
far-reaching influence. Greek, Latin, Roman law and the ecclesiastical
sciences were taught there.
After being a true beacon of sanctity and knowledge to England for thirty-nine years, St. Adrian died on January 9, 710.
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