Saint of the week: Anselm of Canterbury

"I do not seek to understand in order to believe, but I believe in order to understand."

I still remember reading these words for the first time in an early college theology class. They come from St Anselm, the archbishop, theologian, and Doctor of the Church who lived a long and full life in medieval Europe from1033 to1109. Anselm was and remains renowned and cherished for his powerful intellect, beautiful theology, and compelling proofs of God's existence. Sometimes it's nearly impossible to fathom the staggering impact of one man upon the world and the Church. His contributions range from being the father of scholasticism to sublime illuminations of the marriage of faith and reason.

As a child, Anselm showed a deep curiosity for learning, especially about the biggest questions. He wanted to become a monk, but his father opposed the idea and Anselm lost interest, drifting through young adulthood away from faith into a secular life. But then his mother's death and growing tensions with his father spurred him to leave home, not knowing where his journey would ultimately lead.

In 1059, Anselm arrived at the Abbey of Bec in Normandy, where the monks' witness sparked a spiritual reawakening. Anselm marked his real conversion from this moment. At age 27, he decided to fully dedicate himself to God and joined the monastery in 1060. Over the next several decades, he became a renowned theologian and teacher, publishing critical doctrinal works on faith, reason, and the Incarnation. In 1093, Anselm was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. He defended the Church’s independence from the English monarchy, clashing with King William II and later King Henry I.

Many are less familiar with Anselm's activism against chattel slavery. He is one of history's very first to actively oppose and work against this dark evil. He pressed rulers for legal change and in the 12th century, he was responsible for some of history's earliest legislation barring the sale and purchase of human beings.

For all his brilliance and accomplishment, Anselm reminds me of one, very simple truth: whatever our gifts happen to be, they are given to serve truth, good, and beauty. In the scales of eternity, the grandest human achievement melts beside authentic love.

Anselm also wrote these words, and I loved them so much I wrote them across the top of my college notebooks: "Lord, let me find you in loving you; let me love you in finding you."

His feast is April 21.