St Anselm

Anselm was born to parents that were very rich. When he was 15 years old he wanted to join the monastery but his father would not let him. Shortly after this, he became very sick and almost died. He eventually got better but then his mother died. After all this, he turned away from his faith and was not living a very good life. He began to feel that something was missing and he decided he would join the monastery again. His father was still against this decision so Anselm left his home for Normandy, France where he joined the monastery at Bec and became a Benedictine monk. Anselm was very respected and loved by his brother monks. He was very kind and patient. He loved to study his faith and started a school at the monastery. He was eventually appointed abbot (leader) of the monastery and led his brothers very well. When he was 60 years old, he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, England. He did not want to leave the monastery but he was obedient to the Pope who asked him to be Bishop. Life was more difficult as Archbishop because the King of England, King William Rufus did not like how he was running the church. Because of this, Archbishop Anselm was forced to leave England and was not allowed to come back. 6 years later, when the King died, Archbishop Anselm was allowed to return to England and to lead the Church as Archbishop. Archbishop Anselm is remembered for being a great leader in the Church.