When St. Anselm was 15, he wanted to enter into the monastery. His fathers opposition caused the monks to refuse him acceptance. Despite this rejection, Anselm never lost his desire to be a monk. He was accepted into the monastery twelve years later and after 15 years of service, was elected abbot.
Analyzing the Christian faith through reason was the basis of Anselm’s life’s work. Being an inventive thinker, Anselm became one of the Church’s supreme theologians, authoring “Cur Deus Homo” among other works. Lauded for his patience and peacefulness, he persuaded the council at Westminster to outlaw the sale of slaves. When St. Anselm was elected archbishop of Canterbury, inexorable differences between Anselm, King William Rufus and his successor Henry I prevented church reform. St. Anselm still fought those in political control for just principles. Images of St. Anselm show him holding a bishops crosier. The church celebrates his feast day on April 21st.
