In the year 1003, Edward was born in Islip, England. His parents were King Ethelred III and Emma, a Norman woman who was the daughter of Duke Richard I of Normandy. When the Danes under Sweyn and his son Canute conquered England in 1013, Edward and his mother were exiled to Normandy, where he grew up until the age of 10. After Ethelred died in 1016, Canute stayed in England, married Emma, who had come back to the country, and eventually took the throne of England.

Edward gave up worldly ambition and devoted himself to the love of God as a result of his early bereavement and sincere religious fervor.

He was appointed to the throne of England in 1042 following the death of Canute, which he duly accepted and held until 1066. He was a beloved ruler thanks to his holy appearance and even more so because of his deeds. He eliminated an unfair tax and was reputed to have healing powers.

Despite having taken a vow of virginity, he married for the benefit of his realm and lived in celibacy with his queen as a brother and sister.

Edward's commitment to restore Saint Peter's Abbey in Westminster was substituted for his earlier vow to travel to Saint Peter's grave because he was unable to do so without endangering his people. He was buried there after passing away a week after the Abbey's reconstruction was completed.

He was given the surname "the Confessor" due to his piety. On January 5, 1066, Edward died and was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1161. His feast day is October 13.

Other Saints of the Day
Saint Comgan
Saint Maurice of Carnoet
Saint Fyncana
Saint Carpus
Saint Venantius