Anselm was born into a noble family and received a religious education from a young age. He entered the Benedictine monastery of Bec in Normandy, where he became abbot. His fame grew thanks to his theological and philosophical writings, including the “Proslogion”, where he presented the ontological argument for the existence of God. Anselm was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093, a role he filled with dedication, despite tensions with the English kings regarding the authority of the Church.
Why did he become a Saint?
Saint Anselm was canonized for his life of piety, his intellectual contribution to the Church, and his defense of ecclesiastical independence. He is remembered for his personal holiness and his commitment to education and reform of the Church. His canonization took place in 1494, even though he had already been venerated as a saint for some time.
Curiosities about San Anselmo
One of the most interesting curiosities about San Anselmo is its ontological argumentan attempt to prove the existence of God through reason. Furthermore, Anselm is considered one of the fathers of schoola movement that sought to reconcile the Christian faith with Greek philosophy. His influence extends far beyond his time, having inspired thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas and Descartes.
Who celebrates it and why?
San Anselm is celebrated mainly in Italy and the United Kingdom, where his figure is particularly venerated. In Italy, the city of Aosta celebrates its patron saint with religious and cultural events. In the United Kingdom, his memory is especially honored in Canterbury, where he served as archbishop. Celebrations include special masses and processions in his honor, underlining his role as defender of the faith and freedom of the Church.
