St. Anselm's Patron Feast Day (April 21)

On April 21, the Church honours the memory of Anselm, our patron saint.  If you read a summary of Anselm’s life, you would have to say that he lived life well and to the fullest. 

In 1093, at the age of sixty, Anselm was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, which is in England.  Many people are under the impression that he was British, but his origins were in Italy.  Anselm made significant contributions to the communities that he was responsible for during his life.

He was first and foremost a deeply moral person who was not afraid to stand up for what he believed.  He was recognized as showing deep concern for the poorest of the poor, and it is said that he was the first in the Church to oppose the slave trade.  At the National Council of Westminster, Anselm pushed the passage of a resolution prohibiting the sale of human beings.  Anselm was known to be a gentle man but also highly principled who never backed down when justice was at stake.  For that, he found himself in exile on more than one occasion.  He died in 1109 and is honoured as a Doctor of the Church.

Famously known as the “Father of Scholasticism”, he was also gifted with a keen intellect and his philosophical and theological writings have been a great gift to the life of the Church.  The expression “faith seeking understanding” comes from Anselm and sums up his writings in which he worked tirelessly to make God and faith appreciated using reason.  This is the call to us on April 21.  What do we really believe and why do we believe it?  Do we believe something just because someone told us to believe it or have we really taken the time to consider what a particular belief means to us and to others? 

Saints are our friends - they pray for us; they pray with us.  Patron saints not only intercede for us, but they are also models of holiness, worthy of imitation. Their lives are a witness to the saving power of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Saints, while here on earth, are just as human and subject to weakness and failure as everyone else.  What they discerned is that God is the centre of our lives and in doing His will, they discovered life’s true purpose.  We hope to do the same.  Anselm speaks to us of the love of wisdom, its practical application in our lives, and justice.  Wouldn’t the world be a better place if there was more of both?

When I was in grade school, on the major feasts of the Church, our principal had a celebration for the entire school.  Every class got chocolate cake in the afternoon.  We thought that was just great.  What we did not appreciate at the time was that she was teaching us both how and what to celebrate.  Our birthdays and anniversaries are worthy of celebration. Just as worthy of celebration are the ways in which God touches our lives.  Celebrating the feast of St. Anselm is to celebrate the saving power and graciousness of God.  So today, let us raise a glass to the memory of Anselm.  When we do, let us ask him to pray with us and pray for us.  May our lives reflect God’s wisdom and goodness.  May our parish give glory to God and be a sign of His care and concern for all.

- (Fr.) Tom Moore