Saint’s Corner

St. Anselm

        St. Anselm was born about 1033 A.D. in Piedmont. At the age of 27 he became a monk and three years later was appointed prior. Saint Anselm was known as the greatest theologian of his time. He wrote many books and treatises on metaphysics, truth, freewill, the origin of evil, and the incarnation. At the age of 45, St. Anselm became the abbot of Bec and at the age of 59 he became the archbishop of Canterbury.

    Saint Anselm boldly stood up against King Rufus of England when the king attempted to extort money from the Church. He also stood up to the King’s successor when he wanted to nominate new bishops for England. Upon threat of excommunication, King Henry recanted his position and later became friends with the Saint.

    Saint Anselm was a kind archbishop. He is known for taking care of the poor and for being one of the first to oppose the slave trade in England. He died in 1108 around the age of 75.