The Feast of St. Apollonius and St. Anselm

Born in the 11th century in what is now southern France, his family was caught up in the political turmoil of the time. His mother was deeply faithful. 

When he was in his mid-teens he asked to join the local monastery but was denied because his father would not grant him permission. 

So, for the next fifteen years, Anselm led a life of pleasure until, about the time he turned thirty he, once again, felt called to follow The Lord, and entered the monastery of Bec in Normandy. In just a few years he was named Prior and fifteen years after that, Abbott. 

With Anselm’s guidance, the monastery at Bec became a prominent place of learning, particularly in philosophy and theology. 

Anselm was a brilliant theologian himself and, among his many writings was: “Why Man Became God”. 

When he was 60 years old, and against his will, Anselm was named Archbishop of Canterbury and immediately found himself in conflict with the King of England, William Rufus, who had refused Anselm’s appointment. Anselm’s attempts to reform The Church only made matters worse. Ultimately, he was forced into exile in France. There he stayed, while remaining the Archbishop of Canterbury, until the death of Rufus. 

But, upon returning to England, Anselm once again found himself in a battle with the King, Henry I who was the son of Rufus, which led to a second exile, this time for three years in Rome. 

Finally, after Henry agreed that the selection of Bishops should be made by The Church, Anselm returned to England. 

There, he demonstrated his great compassion for the poor and led an effort through the national council at Westminster that led to a resolution against the slave trade, banning the sale of human beings. 

He died on this day in 1109.

St. Anselm, please pray for us.