Saint Anselm of Canterbury
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Saint Anselm of Canterbury, born around 1033 in Aosta, was an 11th-century Benedictine monk, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Doctor of the Church, famed for his theological brilliance, notably the ontological argument for God’s existence. Leaving home at 23 after family strife, he joined Bec Abbey in Normandy in 1059, rising to abbot in 1078. Appointed Archbishop in 1093 under William II, he clashed with kings over Church rights, enduring two exiles (1097–1100, 1103–1106), yet penned works like *Proslogion* and *Cur Deus Homo*, shaping medieval thought. He died on April 21, 1109, in Canterbury, his intellect a cornerstone of scholasticism.
Canonized in 1494 by Pope Alexander VI—though venerated earlier—Anselm’s feast day, April 21, celebrates his legacy, with his tomb in Canterbury Cathedral a pilgrimage site. Patron of theologians, philosophers, and Canterbury, his writings, preserved widely, bridge faith and reason, earning him veneration in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions. Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1720 by Pope Clement XI, Anselm’s life melds monastic piety with philosophical depth, a towering figure in Christian history.
Biography
Birth
Saint Anselm was born circa 1033 in Aosta, Kingdom of Burgundy (now Italy), to Gundulf, a Lombard noble, and Ermenberga, kin to the Counts of Savoy. His birth in an Alpine valley came amid feudal flux. Exact dates vary (1033–1034) due to sparse records.
His noble roots clashed with his spiritual bent, driving him from home to a life of scholarship and faith.
Early Life
Anselm’s youth was turbulent; tutored by monks, he sought to join a monastery at 15, but parental opposition delayed him. After his mother’s death and a rift with his father, he left Aosta at 23, wandering through Burgundy and France. In 1059, he entered Bec Abbey under Lanfranc, drawn by its learning, professing as a monk in 1060.
His early life forged a thinker; Bec’s discipline shaped his rise to abbot and beyond, a scholar’s path begun.
Occupation
Anselm’s occupation started as a monk at Bec, becoming prior in 1063 and abbot in 1078, teaching and writing—*Monologion* emerged here. Named Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093, he led the English Church, battling kings William II and Henry I over investiture, exiled twice. His works, like *Proslogion*, defined his tenure.
His career blended monasticism with leadership, ending in 1109. Anselm’s occupation was a fusion of theology and ecclesiastical reform.
Vocation
Anselm’s vocation crystallized at Bec, a call to seek God through reason and prayer. As abbot, then archbishop from 1093, he defended Church autonomy, crafting the ontological argument and atonement theology in exile. His intellect served faith, influencing centuries.
His vocation peaked in Canterbury, dying in 1109 with lasting impact. Anselm’s life was a philosopher’s quest for divine truth.
Death
Saint Anselm met his end on April 21, 1109, in Canterbury, dying at about 76 of old age and illness—possibly fever—during Holy Week. Surrounded by monks, he passed peacefully, buried in Canterbury Cathedral’s chapel, his tomb enduring despite later shifts.
His death sparked veneration, his writings his legacy. Anselm’s passing closed a life of mind and spirit, revered in death.
Significant events
- Entered Bec Abbey, 1059.
- Became Abbot of Bec, 1078.
- Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, 1093.
- First exile, 1097–1100.
- Died April 21, 1109.
Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
No “Servant of God” process in 1109; Anselm’s veneration began at Canterbury, tied to his holiness and works, formalized later.
Venerable
No formal Venerable status then; his sanctity grew by acclaim, recognized by 1494.
Beatification
No distinct beatification; his sainthood was gradual, pre-Congregation style.
Canonization
Canonized in 1494 by Pope Alexander VI in Rome, confirming earlier veneration, based on his life and theological impact—no miracles specified, per medieval norms.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No beatification miracle; veneration rested on his legacy, not wonders.
Miracle for canonization
No miracles required in 1494; Anselm’s sainthood stemmed from his writings and holiness, affirmed by Church tradition.
Other notable miracles
- No specific miracles; his “miracle” was his intellectual gift, per hagiography.
Patronage
Saint Anselm of Canterbury is patron of theologians, philosophers, and Canterbury.
Feast day
The feast day of Saint Anselm of Canterbury is celebrated on April 21.
Veneration
Saint Anselm is venerated through prayers for wisdom, centered at Canterbury Cathedral, where his tomb lies. With a book or quill, his cult spans Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions, his April 21 feast honoring a Doctor whose reason illumined faith.
Books
Written about the saint
- "Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works" (Oxford World’s Classics, includes biography)
Written by the saint
- *Proslogion* (ontological argument)
- *Cur Deus Homo* (atonement theology)