Today, we celebrate the memorial of Saint Anselm of Canterbury, the Father of Scholasticism and one of the great Doctors of the Catholic Church. St. Anselm was born in 1033 A.D. and died in 1109 A.D. Although he was never formally declared a saint of the Church, he is still recognized as one. In 1720, Pope Clement XI declared him a Doctor of the Church. To learn more about this great man, click on the link above.

In order to celebrate the greatness of Saint Anslem, I have provided 10 quotes of his for you. Like the great theologians in the Church’s theological arsenal, these are only a few amazing things he said while on this side of Heaven. I hope you enjoy them.

1. “My soul, have you found what you are looking for? You were looking for God, and you have discovered that He is the supreme being, and that you could not possibly imagine anything more perfect. You have discovered that this supreme being is life itself, light, wisdom, goodness, eternal blessedness and blessed eternity.”

2. “A single Mass offered for oneself during life may be worth more than a thousand celebrated for the same intention after death.”

3. “Idleness is the enemy of the soul.”

4. “I do not try, Lord, to attain Your lofty heights, because my understanding is in no way equal to it. But I do desire to understand Your truth a little, that truth that my heart believes and loves. I do not seek to understand that I may believe; but I believe so that I may understand. For I believe this also, that unless I believe, I shall not understand”

5. “It is impossible to save one’s soul without devotion to Mary and without her protection.”

6. “Souls well-beloved of my soul, my eyes ardently desire to behold you; my arms expand to embrace you; my lips sigh for your kisses; all the like that remains to me is consumed with waiting for you. How can I forget those whom I have placed like a seal upon my heart?”

7. “Come now, insignificant man, fly for a moment from your affairs, escape for a little while from the tumult of your thoughts. Put aside now your weighty cares and leave your wearisome toils. Abandon yourself for a little to God and rest for a little in Him.”

8. “God does not delay to hear our prayers because He has no mind to give; but that, by enlarging our desires, He may give us the more largely.”

9. “Come now, insignificant man, fly for a moment from your affairs, escape for a little while from the tumult of your thoughts. Put aside now your weighty cares and leave your wearisome toils. Abandon yourself for a little to God and rest for a little in Him.”

10. “God was conceived of a most pure Virgin … it was fitting that the virgin should be radiant with a purity so great that a greater purity cannot be conceived.”

Saint Anselm of Canterbury…Pray for Us 

Like what you read today? Sign up here to receive emails sent directly to your inbox