Feast of Saint Anselm, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Born in 1033 in Aosta, Italy, Saint Anselm entered the Benedictine Order at 27. An outstanding philosopher and theologian, he became abbot at Bec in Normandy and then Archbishop of Canterbury. He fought vigorously for the freedom of the Church, and for this he was twice exiled. He achieved fame for his writings, especially those on mystical theology. Anselm died in1109, and in 1720 was declared a Doctor of the Church

O God, who led the Bishop Saint Anselm

to seek out and teach the depths of Your wisdom,

grant, we pray,

that our faith in You may so aid our understanding,

that what we believe by Your command

may give delight to our hearts.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

who lives and reigns with You in the unity

of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.