Eleventh-century archbishop of Canterbury and Doctor of the Church, known for “faith seeking understanding”.
Life
Anselm was born around 1033 in Aosta in northern Italy. As a young man he left home and entered the abbey of Bec in Normandy, where he succeeded his teacher Lanfranc and became abbot, teaching the monks.
In 1093 he became archbishop of Canterbury in England. In defending the freedom of the Church he clashed with two kings, William II and Henry I, and was exiled twice. He described the relationship of faith and reason as "faith seeking understanding" and wrote works such as the Proslogion and Why God Became Man. He died in 1109 and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1720.
Spirituality
Anselm's spirituality is faith that thinks while it prays. He began his longing to know God more deeply in prayer, and he saw reason not as a substitute for faith but as a help for faith to know better the One it loves. His prayers still resonate deeply today with those who seek God.
Reflection
Anselm wanted to understand more because he believed. Questions can deepen faith. Do I bring my questions about faith to God in prayer instead of avoiding them?