Archbishop of Canterbury and Doctor of the Church
Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury: “Oh my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You. You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek You. I cannot seek You unless You teach me or find You unless You show Yourself to me. Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You.”
Saint Anselm, our parish patron, was born in Aosta, Italy, the son of a wealthy nobleman, about the year 1033. He left home in 1056 to study in the Burgundy region of France. Anselm became a monk in Normandy about 1060. He excelled in piety and intellectual accomplishment and became Prior of the abbey in a short time.
In 1078, as abbot of Bec Abbey, he began to frequently visit England to inspect abbey properties.
In 1092, Anselm was elected Archbishop of Canterbury. He did not succumb to political pressure, even though King William II tried to have him removed. He sought to defend the rights of individuals and the Church. When the King appealed to the Pope, Pope Urban I supported Anselm.
He is often called the Father of Scholasticism and his written works have greatly influenced Catholic philosophy and theology. Anselm taught that logic and reason are means or tools to help the Christian penetrate, to some extent, the mysteries of faith.
Anselm died in 1109 at Canterbury, England. His feast day is celebrated each year on April 21st. In 1720 Anselm was named a Doctor of the Church.
Today let’s remember the Saint Anselm and as he prayed, lets find out lord by loving him.
Heaven is our Goal.
Sources: History – Saint Anselm – Chesterland, OH (stanselm.org)