| Anselm (April 21st) is one of only twenty-three persons in history to have been given the title "Doctor of the Church," a distinction reserved for pre-eminent theologians who are also revered for their personal holiness. Born in Italy ca. 1033, he became a monk at the age of 27 after much hesitation. He soon became Prior ("deputy Abbot") of the Abbey of Bee, one of the leading monasteries in Europe. Anselm then applied himself to the study of philosophical theology.
His own writings were considered the best of the era, merging faith and reason. In 1078 he became Abbot of Bee, following his teacher Lanfranc who had been elected Archbishop of Canterbury. When Lanfranc died in 1089, Anselm was elected to succeed him but King William II did not approve and kept Canterbury vacant for four years. Only when the King seemed to be dying did he agree to Anselm's consecration in 1093. But in God's sense of humor William lived, and he constantly found himself at loggerheads with the new Archbishop, who asserted the Church's authority in its own affairs over that of the Crown. This stormy conflict continued throughout William's reign and into that of Henry I.
Reconciled in 1106, Anselm held such respect and trust that he was made Viceroy of the kingdom whenever Henry was away. Anselm died on April 21, 1109. His theology is often difficult but this does not obscure his profound and simple piety. From him we have the most enduring definition of theology: "faith seeking understanding." |
