Who is
St.
St. Anselm proves that even though we aren’t born saints, God never gives up on
us. Indifferent toward religion as a young man, he became one of the Church's
greatest theologians and leaders who received the title "Father of
Scholasticism" for his attempt to analyze and illumine the truths of faith
through the aid of reason.
With regard to the education of the young, Anselm held very liberal views.
He promoted less limits and fear instead allowing freedom of thought when
teaching. Considered an original and independent thinker, Anselm was admired for
his patience, gentleness and teaching skill. His care and concern extended to
the very poorest people. Anselm obtained from the national council at
Westminster the passage of a resolution prohibiting the sale of human beings.
His theological works are comparable to those of
St. Augustine. His best-known work is the book Cur Deus Homo ("Why God Became
Man"). Anselm was appointed archbishop of Canterbury but, differences with the
kings of England caused him to spend his final years in exile in Rome.
Anselm was a mild and gentle man and a lover of peace,
but did not back off from conflict and persecution when principles were at
stake |
A Prayer of St. Anselm
O Jesus, Son of God, and
you, O Mother Mary, You desire that whatever You love should be loved by us.
Therefore,
O good Son, by the love you bear your Mother, to grant
to me that I may truly love her.
And you, O Good Mother, I beg you by the love that you
bear your Son, to pray for me that I may truly love him.
Behold I ask nothing that is not in accordance with
your will. Since this is in your power, will my sins prevent this from being
accomplished?
O Jesus, lover of all, You were able to love criminals
and even to die for them. Can you, then, refuse me, who asks only the love of
You and your Mother?
And you, too, Mary, Mother of He who loved us, who did
bear Him in your womb, and fed Him at your breast, are you not able to obtain
for one who asks it the love of your Son and yourself?
May my mind venerate you both as you deserve. May my
heart love you as it should.May my body serve you as it ought.In your service
may my life be spent.Blessed be God forever. Amen, amen.
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