A man of considerable intellectual and spiritual gifts, St. Anselm, also known as the Father of “Scholasticism”, used his abilities to advance the philosophical and theological teachings of the church.

Born in 1033, Anselm wanted to enter a monastery at age 15, but he was denied permission by his father. His life then turned towards worldly pursuits, and it was twelves years later that he finally realized his desire to become a monk.

Anselm joined the Benedictine abbey at Bec in Normandy, France in 1060. Within three years, he was elected prior and later became the abbot.

As Abbot of the monastery, Anselm as known for his patience, kindness and teaching. Under his leadership, the abbey became a place of great learning on philosophy and theology. Beginning from this period, Anselm published theological works such as the Monologion (1075-76), the Proslogion (1077-78), Cur Deus Homo (“Why God Became Man”)

In 1093, Anselm, then aged 60, was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in England. His tenure as Archbishop was difficult owing to the turbulent relationship with William Rufus, King of England. The king was adamant about asserting royal authority over ecclesiastical matter and refused to be dictated to by the Archbishop or Pope. Anselm was exiled in Rome and could not return to England until the king’s death in 1100.

Later, the king’s successor, Henry 1, also determined that he would continue to exert royal authority which led to further exile from 1103-07 for the archbishop.

St. Anselm was opposed to the trading of slaves and actively championed a resolution to prohibit the sale of human beings.

St. Anselm died on 21 April 1109. He was canonized in 1494 and named a Doctor of the Church in 1720.