Anselm of Canterbury, Italian-English archbishop and saint (b. 1033)

Anselm of Canterbury, born in Aosta, Italy, around 1033 or 1034, and passing away in 1109, stands as one of the most significant intellectual figures of the medieval period. Known by various names reflecting his life's journey – Anselm of Aosta after his Alpine birthplace (Anselmo d'Aosta in Italian) and Anselm of Bec after the influential Norman monastery where he spent much of his monastic life (Anselme du Bec in French) – he was a towering intellect: a Benedictine monk, an abbot, a profound philosopher, and a revered theologian of the Catholic Church. His remarkable career culminated in his service as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1093 until his death in 1109, a period marked by intense ecclesiastical and political struggles. Following his passing, the Church recognized his profound holiness and intellectual contributions by canonizing him as a saint; his feast day is observed annually on April 21st.

Philosopher and Theologian: Faith Seeking Understanding

Beyond his administrative roles, Anselm is perhaps most famously remembered for his groundbreaking philosophical and theological contributions. Often regarded as the 'Father of Scholasticism,' he pioneered a method of reasoning that sought to reconcile faith with logic, famously encapsulated in his maxim 'fides quaerens intellectum' – faith seeking understanding. His works, such as the Monologion and Proslogion, introduced innovative concepts, including the celebrated ontological argument for the existence of God, which continues to be debated by philosophers centuries later. These intellectual endeavors solidified his legacy as a profound thinker whose insights profoundly shaped medieval thought and beyond.

Archbishop of Canterbury: A Defender of the Church

Anselm's appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093 thrust him onto the tumultuous stage of English politics, where he found himself at the forefront of one of the medieval Church's most critical struggles: the Investiture Controversy. This widespread conflict across Europe concerned the right to appoint bishops and other church officials – whether the king or the Pope held ultimate authority. Anselm firmly believed in the spiritual independence of the Church and its right to appoint its own leaders, a principle that inevitably brought him into direct and often fiery conflict with the English monarchy. His tenure was not merely administrative; it was a tireless defense of the Church’s spiritual autonomy against temporal power.

Conflict and Exile: A Principled Stand

His unwavering commitment to the Church's independence led to significant clashes with two successive English monarchs, William II (Rufus) and his brother, Henry I. These confrontations were not minor disagreements but fundamental disputes over the boundaries between royal and ecclesiastical power. Anselm's staunch resistance to the kings' attempts to control church appointments and revenues resulted in him enduring two periods of exile from England. The first exile lasted from 1097 to 1100, during the reign of William II, and the second from 1105 to 1107, under Henry I. Despite the personal hardship and separation from his flock, Anselm viewed these exiles not as defeats, but as opportunities to continue his work for the Church on a broader stage.

Influencing the Wider Church During Exile

During his periods of exile, Anselm's influence extended beyond England. Notably, while in southern Italy, he played a crucial role at the Council of Bari in 1098. At this significant ecclesiastical gathering, Anselm's theological acumen and persuasive abilities were brought to bear on complex doctrinal issues, particularly those concerning the 'filioque' clause, a point of contention between the Latin and Greek Churches. More practically, he was instrumental in guiding the Greek bishops of southern Italy to adopt Roman liturgical rites, a move that sought to foster greater unity within the Christian world under the Roman tradition. This demonstrated his commitment to the universal Church and his capacity for leadership beyond the confines of his archdiocese.

The Primacy of Canterbury: A Lingering Dispute

Another significant endeavor during Anselm's archiepiscopacy was his tireless campaign to assert the primacy of Canterbury over other sees in Britain, particularly the archdiocese of York and the bishops in Wales. In the hierarchical structure of the medieval Church, the question of which archiepiscopal see held superior authority was not merely symbolic; it dictated influence, revenue, and jurisdiction. Anselm argued passionately for Canterbury's ancient and rightful claim as the preeminent see in England. While he appeared to have achieved success in this regard by the time of his death, the victory proved to be ephemeral. Shortly after his passing, Pope Paschal II, reconsidering the complex political and ecclesiastical landscape, reversed previous rulings and restored York's independence, thereby reigniting a long-standing debate that would persist for centuries.

Legacy and Veneration

Anselm of Canterbury's legacy is multifaceted and profound. He left an indelible mark not only on the English Church but also on Western philosophy and theology. His unwavering defense of the Church's rights against secular power helped shape the relationship between spiritual and temporal authorities for generations. As a philosopher, his pursuit of rational understanding within the framework of faith paved the way for scholasticism, defining medieval intellectual inquiry. Canonized as a saint, he is honored on April 21st, and his intellectual contributions were further recognized when he was declared a Doctor of the Church, a rare title reserved for those saints whose writings and preachings have been particularly influential in articulating Christian doctrine. His life remains a testament to intellectual rigor, spiritual devotion, and courageous leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anselm of Canterbury

Who was Anselm of Canterbury?
Anselm of Canterbury was a highly influential Italian Benedictine monk, abbot, philosopher, and theologian. He served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1093 to 1109 and is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church, also holding the title of a Doctor of the Church.
What is Anselm best known for?
Anselm is primarily known for his intellectual contributions, particularly his philosophical and theological works like the ontological argument for the existence of God. He is also famous for his principled defense of the Church's independence during the Investiture Controversy, which led to his two exiles from England.
Why was he called Anselm of Aosta and Anselm of Bec?
He was called Anselm of Aosta because he was born in Aosta, Italy. He gained the name Anselm of Bec because he spent a significant portion of his monastic life and became abbot at the influential Benedictine Abbey of Bec in Normandy, France.
What was the Investiture Controversy?
The Investiture Controversy was a major conflict between the Church and secular rulers in medieval Europe over who had the authority to appoint bishops and other church officials. Anselm, as Archbishop of Canterbury, was a key figure in defending the Church's right to appoint its own clergy against the English kings.
When is Saint Anselm's feast day?
Saint Anselm's feast day is celebrated annually on April 21st.
Did Anselm succeed in establishing Canterbury's primacy over York?
While Anselm worked tirelessly for Canterbury's primacy and seemed to have succeeded during his lifetime, Pope Paschal II later reversed the decision after Anselm's death, restoring York's independence. This longstanding dispute continued for centuries.