St. Anselm (Bishop and Doctor)

St. Anselm was born in 1033 in Aosta, in what is now northern Italy. From a young age, he was drawn to a life of prayer and learning. He eventually joined the Benedictine monastery of Bec in Normandy, where he became a renowned teacher and abbot. In 1093, he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, a role in which he defended the rights of the Church during a time of political tension between Church and crown. A brilliant theologian and philosopher, Anselm is best known for his writings on the existence of God and the nature of faith, particularly the famous Proslogion. Despite facing exile more than once for refusing to compromise the Church’s independence, Anselm remained faithful, humble, and dedicated to truth. He died in 1109 and was later declared a Doctor of the Church.

Practical Lessons:

1. Stand Firm in Your Values at Work: As Archbishop, Anselm stood up to kings who tried to control the Church. In modern life, this means speaking up when something violates your conscience at work or in leadership roles, even if it’s uncomfortable.
2. Make Time for Deep Thinking: Anselm wrote profound works by setting aside quiet time for reflection and prayer. You can follow his example by turning off distractions daily—even for just 10 minutes—to pray, journal, or think deeply about your life and choices.
3. Use Your Skills to Serve Others: Anselm didn’t pursue knowledge for pride but used his intellect to serve the Church. Whether you’re good with numbers, words, or tools, offer those gifts to your family, parish, or community in practical, helpful ways.

Prayer:

St. Anselm, faithful bishop and brilliant teacher, pray for us. Help us to think clearly, act courageously, and speak truth with humility. Teach us to seek God with both our minds and hearts, and to serve others with the gifts we’ve been given. Intercede for us, that we may love truth, defend justice, and grow in faith each day. Amen.

Quote:

“I do not seek to understand in order that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand.” — St. Anselm

Other Saints We Remember Today

St. Conrad (1894), Religious

image: George Glover, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons