 Dunstan 's retirement at Canterbury consisted of long hours , both day and night , spent in private prayer , as well as his regular attendance at Mass and the daily office . He visited the shrines of St Augustine and St Æthelberht , and there are reports of a vision of angels who sang to him heavenly canticles . He worked to improve the spiritual and temporal well @-@ being of his people , to build and restore churches , to establish schools , to judge suits , to defend widows and orphans , to promote peace , and to enforce respect for purity . He practised his crafts , made bells and organs and corrected the books in the cathedral library . He encouraged and protected European scholars who came to England , and was active as a teacher of boys in the cathedral school . On the vigil of Ascension Day 988 , it is recorded that a vision of angels warned he would die in three days . On the feast day itself , Dunstan said Mass and preached three times to the people : at the Gospel , at the benediction , and after the Agnus Dei . In this last address , he announced his impending death and wished his congregation well . That afternoon he chose the spot for his tomb , then went to his bed . His strength failed rapidly , and on Saturday morning , 19 May , he caused the clergy to assemble . Mass was celebrated in his presence , then he received Extreme Unction and the Viaticum , and died . Dunstan 's final words are reported to have been , " He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works , being a merciful and gracious Lord : He hath given food to them that fear Him . " 
