Today's Saint (September 19): Theodore of Canterbury

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Theodore (c. 602 - 690) is regarded as one of the most devout and effective archbishops of Canterbury. Born in Greece, he was educated at Athens and subsequently became a monk. Pope Vitalian selected him to fill the vacancy at Canterbury following the death of the archbishop-elect Wighard.

Theodore was a late vocation to the ministry, being ordained deacon at the age of sixty-five. Shortly thereafter, he was ordained priest and then bishop.

Upon his arrival to Canterbury he instituted needed reforms, which led to greater Church unity, organization and scholarship. The school he established at Canterbury attracted numerous postulants from Ireland and produced several bishops.

His labours resulted in greater cohesion amongst various branches of the Church in Ireland, Gaul and Rome.

"I have found David my servant: with my holy oil have I anointed him: my hand shall hold him fast, and my arm shall strengthen him" (Ps. 89). (From the day's offertory, page F 23, The People's Anglican Missal).

Today's Propers
Catholic Encyclopedia Article

Books Worth Considering
Fox's Book of Martyrs
Reason Is Beguiled: On the Mystery of Martyrdom & of Total Self Gift
By Their Blood: Christian Martyrs of the Twentieth Century
The Treasury of Saints and Martyrs
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (Oxford Paperback Reference)
The Penguin Dictionary of Saints: Third Edition (Dictionary, Penguin)

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