Name: St Anselm, Bishop, Monk, Confessor, Doctor of the Church
When: d. 21st April 1109 (11-12th Century)
Feast Day: April 21st (pre and post-1962 liturgy).
Relics: Crypt of Canterbury Cathedral, seized by the Protestants.
Patron Saint: of Aosta, philosophers and apologists
Symbolism in Art: Benedictine monk holding a scroll or parchment, also with a dove
Biography:
St. Anselm, also known as Anselm of Canterbury, was a medieval Catholic theologian, philosopher, and Benedictine monk who made significant contributions to theology, philosophy, and apologetics during his lifetime. His deep intellect, profound insights, and unwavering faith continue to inspire and influence scholars, theologians, and believers today.
Early Life and Education
Born in Aosta, Italy in 1033, St. Anselm grew up in a devout Catholic family. At a young age, he showed a keen interest in learning and joined the monastery of Bec in Normandy, France, known for its renowned intellectual and theological pursuits. Under the tutelage of his teacher Lanfranc, who would later become the Archbishop of Canterbury, Anselm excelled in his studies and developed a deep love for theology and philosophy.
Contributions to Theology
St. Anselm’s most famous work is his treatise “Proslogion” in which he formulated the famous “ontological argument” for the existence of God. This argument posits that the concept of God, understood as the greatest possible being, necessarily includes existence as one of its attributes. This revolutionary argument has had a lasting impact on Catholic apologetics and philosophy, and continues to be debated and discussed by philosophers to this day.
St. Anselm’s theological contributions extended beyond the ontological argument. He also wrote extensively on the nature of God, the incarnation, original sin, and the atonement. His works, such as “Cur Deus Homo” (Why God Became Man) and “De Concordia” (On the Harmony of Faith and Reason), were ground-breaking in their approach to reconciling faith and reason, and laid the foundation for much of the subsequent scholastic theology.
In addition to his theological writings, St. Anselm also composed many beautiful and profound prayers and meditations, expressing his deep personal piety and devotion to God. His “Prayer to St. Paul” and “Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary” are still used by Christians today as expressions of devotion and supplication.
Philosophical Contributions
St. Anselm’s philosophical contributions were not limited to his ontological argument. He also made significant advancements in other areas of philosophy, including epistemology, ethics, and metaphysics. His work “De Veritate” (On Truth) explored the nature of truth and the relationship between faith and reason. He argued that faith and reason are not in conflict, but rather complement each other, and that truth, whether revealed or discovered through reason, ultimately originates from God.
St. Anselm also made important contributions to ethical philosophy. In his work “De Libertate Arbitrii” (On the Freedom of Choice), he explored the concept of free will, arguing that humans possess free will and are responsible for their actions. He also emphasized the importance of moral virtue and the pursuit of righteousness as essential aspects of the Christian life.
Legacy
St. Anselm’s legacy is far-reaching and enduring. His profound insights into theology and philosophy have had a lasting impact on Christian thought and continue to be studied and debated by scholars and theologians today. His emphasis on the harmony of faith and reason, the importance of logical argumentation in theology, and his deep personal piety have influenced subsequent theologians and philosophers, including luminaries such as St Thomas Aquinas and John Duns Scotus.
Furthermore, St. Anselm’s writings have had a profound impact on Catholic apologetics, providing a framework for defending and explaining the Catholic faith to sceptics and seekers. His ontological argument, in particular, has been a subject of much debate and discussion, with philosophers and theologians continuing to explore and develop his ideas.
St. Anselm’s influence also extends beyond the realm of academia. He was appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093, a position he held until his death in 1109. As Archbishop, he played a significant role in church governance and was known for his piety, humility, and dedication to the welfare of his diocese. He worked tirelessly to reform and restore the church, promoting education, pastoral care, and social justice. His example of leadership and holiness has inspired generations of church leaders and faithful alike.
In addition to his intellectual and pastoral contributions, St. Anselm’s legacy also includes his profound personal holiness and deep devotion to God. His unwavering faith, humility, and reverence for God serve as an example of Christian virtue and discipleship. He is remembered as a saint who lived a life of deep contemplation, prayer, and service to God and others.
Conclusion
St. Anselm’s life and legacy are a testament to the power of intellect, faith, and piety coming together in a profound and influential way. His contributions to theology, philosophy, and apologetics have left a lasting impact, shaping Catholic thought and influencing subsequent generations of scholars, theologians, and believers. His emphasis on the harmony of faith and reason, his philosophical insights, and his personal holiness continue to inspire those who seek to deepen their understanding of God and the Catholic faith. St. Anselm’s life and legacy stand as a beacon of intellectual and spiritual excellence, a model of Christian devotion, and a source of inspiration for all who seek wisdom and truth.
