Saints and Holy People

Find out about their lives and how they changed the world

Saint Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109)

Saint Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109)

Feast day: April 21




Even though Saint Anselm brushed religion aside as a young man, he embraced it in his later years. He became one of the Church’s most important theologians and leaders. He was named “Father of Scholasticism” for trying to examine and illuminate truths of the Christian faith utilizing reason.

He was appointed the archbishop of Canterbury and was named a Doctor of the Church. One of his greatest accomplishments was persuading the national council at Westminster to forbid the sale of human beings. Anselm was highly admired for his patience, kindness, and teaching ability. He published many theological works, including Why God Became Man.

(Image in public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)