St. Anselm (1033-1109)
.JPG)
He shines forth as one of the greatest thinkers in the history of the Church. Anselm was born in Aosta, Italy. Though Anselm desired to join the Benedictine monastery at age fifteen, his father’s opposition barred him. After twelve years of worldly living, Anselm entered the monastery in Bec, Normandy. He was shortly thereafter elected prior, and then, in time, abbot. Contrary to his will, Anselm was elected the Archbishop of Canterbury, England. As the Archbishop, Anselm struggled greatly with the King over the rights of the Church regarding ecclesial appointments and property. With two different kings, Anselm had to have recourse to Rome to settle the disputes, which resulted in Anselm being exiled. In Anselm’s intellectual endeavours, his guiding principle was faith seeking understanding.
Prayer
Father, you called St. Anselm to study and teach the sublime truths you have revealed. Let your gift of faith come to the aid of our understanding and open our hearts to your truth.