Dunstan of Canterbury (May 19th) was one of the most popular English saints of the first millennium. He was born near Glastonbury ca. 909 into a noble family. As a young man he was joined to the royal Court but he was expelled for his study of “vain poems and pagan stories” and for being a “magician.” He considered marriage, but became a monk and priest and returned to Glastonbury to live as a hermit. An accomplished musician and artisan, he produced illuminations, embroidery, and metalwork.
A new King recalled Dunstan to the Court and made him Abbot of the monastery at Glastonbury in 943. He completely reformed the community, insisting on the full observance of the Benedictine Rule and a focus upon learning. As monasticism in Britain had suffered such decline and disorder as to become virtually extinct, Dunstan is almost single-handedly responsible for the strong monastic revival that followed throughout England. However, a new King forced Dunstan into exile (for having had close ties to the previous King). Soon, a rival King recalled him to England and appointed him Bishop of Worcester in 957. As this King consolidated his power, he appointed Dunstan Bishop of London and, in 960, Archbishop of Canterbury.
As leader of the English Church, Dunstan undertook sweeping reforms, improving education and discipline for the clergy and restoring morale throughout the Church. He saw to a revival of monasticism for women, built churches and monasteries, and codified careful order and beauty for the liturgy. His political influence was wide and he secured a fairer system of justice for commoners and the poor. In his later years he received visions and is said to have performed miracles. Dunstan died on May 19, 988, and was almost immediately venerated as a saint. |
