Divine Office

April 21

Saint Anselm, Bishop and Doctor

Optional Memorial

Saint Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, holds the distinguished title of Doctor of the Church, along with 32 other writer-saints. This is a title rarely given out due the high-quality of work required. Anselm’s subjects include the existence of God, the Incarnation, the procession of the Holy Spirit, Atonement, and discussions on Free Will and Predestination. Also, many German philosophers and English historians referenced Anslem’s theology as did the Italian poet, Dante. Anselm is mentioned in Dante’s Paradiso as, “…among the spirits of light and power in the sphere of the sun…”

Anselm was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1720. [1][2]

Written by Sarah Ciotti
[1] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St. Anslem.”
[2] Herbert J. Thurston, S.J., Donald Attwater, “St Anselm,” in Butler’s Lives of the Saints (Indiana: Ave Maria Press, Inc.,1956),138.
Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate this Saint as you worship Christ.