April 21 + Saint Anselm – VENXARA® Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: April 21 + Saint Anselm

April 21 + Saint Anselm - VENXARA®

April 21 + Saint Anselm

Indifferent toward religion as a young man, Anselm became one of the Church’s greatest theologians and leaders. He received the title “Father of Scholasticism” for his attempt to analyze and illumine the truths of faith through the aid of reason and was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church.

Born in 1033 in Aosta, Italy, Anselm, at age 15, wanted to enter a monastery, but was refused acceptance because of his father’s opposition. Twelve years later, after careless disinterest in religion and years of worldly living, he finally fulfilled his desire to be a monk. He entered the monastery of Bec in Normandy, was elected prior three years later, and 15 years later, was unanimously chosen abbot.

Considered an original and independent thinker, Anselm was admired for his patience, gentleness, and teaching skill. Under his leadership, the Abbey of Bec became a monastic school, influential in philosophical and theological studies.

During these years, at the community’s request, Anselm began publishing his theological works, comparable to those of Saint Augustine. His best-known work is the book Cur Deus Homo (“Why God Became Man”). Against his will, Anselm was appointed archbishop of Canterbury in 1093, at age 60.

Anselm's care and concern extended to the very poorest people. Opposing the slave trade, he obtained from the national council at Westminster the passage of a resolution prohibiting the sale of human beings.

Leave a comment

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

All comments are moderated before being published.

Read more

April 20 + Saint Agnes of Montepulciano - VENXARA®

April 20 + Saint Agnes of Montepulciano

Agnes was born in 1268 into a noble family in the village of Gracciano, Italy. A miracle occurred to demonstrate that she was a predestined soul, for it is recalled that burning torches appeared to...

Read more
April 22 + Saints Epipodius and Alexander - VENXARA®

April 22 + Saints Epipodius and Alexander

Born during the 2nd century of distinguished families, Epipodius was born in Lyon, France and Alexander was a Greek, originally from Phrygia (modern day Asia Turkey). The two became best friends wh...

Read more