St. Anselm of Canterbury

April 21 is the feast day of St. Anselm of Canterbury: philosopher, theologian, and Doctor of the Church.

He is known for his adherence to the monastic lifestyle, his willingness to oppose powerful politicians, and his writings about the existence and nature of God. He spoke against the slave trade and was known for his advocacy for the poor. He resisted being appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury, but eventually was.

Find articles, social media, and other resources for St. Anselm below.

Daily Mass Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Anselm, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

• First Reading – Ephesians 3:14-19: “I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith”
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: “I will bless the Lord at all times.”
• Gospel – Matthew 7:21-29: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

Anselm’s Prayer – Teach My Heart Where and How to Seek You

St. Anselm of Canterbury was a Benedictine monk and theologian. His feast day is April 21. Anselm’s Prayer is a good prayer to say before reading scripture. It would also work well will a discussion of discernment or discipleship.

Anselm of Canterbury: The Man Behind the Argument 

Ontological Argument, Satisfaction Theory, Cur Deus Homo, Proslogium, and many more are often how people become familiar with Anselm. This video seeks to give the context behind many of these great writings and arguments. Anselm’s life was much more than an argument or a theory, and when you understand the passion he had behind what he did, the writings take on a slightly different light.

Disasters teach us humility.

St. Anselm of Canterbury