Born to Italian nobility in 1033, St. Anselm wanted to enter religious life at the age of 15, but his father prohibited it. Despondent, Anselm got lax in his faith life and turned his attention to worldly affairs until the death of his mother when he was 23. After an argument with his father, he left for France, rekindled his faith life, and became a Benedictine monk four years later. At 45 he was made abbot, and because of his position, he was in frequent contact with Catholic Church officials in England. He reluctantly assumed the office of Archbishop of Canterbury, and because of his vigorous defense of the Church the King of England sent him into exile twice. He was one of the great theologians of his age, and he earned the title Doctor of the Church.
CHALLENGE
Pray this prayer St. Anselm of Canterbury wrote, and consider making it part of your regular prayer life: “O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire Thee with our whole heart; that, so desiring, we may seek, and, seeking, find Thee; and so finding Thee, may love Thee; and loving Thee, may hate those sins from which Thou hast redeemed. Amen.”
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