About St. Anselm
St. Anselm was born in 1033 in Aosta, in present-day Italy. As a young man, he entered the Benedictine Abbey of Bec in Normandy, where his remarkable intellect and holiness quickly became evident. He eventually became abbot of the monastery before being appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093.
Throughout his life, St. Anselm defended the freedom of the Church, promoted reform, and wrote some of Christianity’s most influential theological works, including the Proslogion and Cur Deus Homo (“Why God Became Man”). His writings explored the relationship between faith and reason and have shaped Catholic theology for centuries.
Because of his holiness and extraordinary contributions to the Church, Pope Clement XI declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1720.
St. Anselm died on April 21, 1109, and is honored as one of the Church’s greatest teachers of faith and reason.
Feast Day: April 21
Who was St. Anselm of Canterbury?
St. Anselm of Canterbury was an Archbishop of Canterbury, Benedictine monk, philosopher, theologian, and Doctor of the Church. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of the Middle Ages.
What is the St. Anselm Novena for?
Catholics commonly pray this novena for:
- Wisdom
- Growth in faith
- Understanding of Scripture
- Success in studies
- Guidance for teachers and students
- Good decision-making
- Spiritual discernment
- Love of truth
- Special personal intentions
When should I pray the St. Anselm Novena?
You may pray the novena at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it on April 12, so it concludes on his feast day of April 21.
How do I pray the St. Anselm Novena?
Begin with the Sign of the Cross, pray the novena prayer while presenting your personal intention, then conclude with:
- Pray One: Our Father
- Pray One: Hail Mary
- Pray One: Glory Be
Repeat the novena for nine consecutive days.
What is St. Anselm the patron saint of?
Although St. Anselm does not have a widely recognized universal patronage, he is frequently invoked by:
- Students
- Teachers
- Philosophers
- Theologians
- Scholars
- Those seeking wisdom and understanding
- People discerning God’s will
Why is St. Anselm called the “Father of Scholasticism”?
St. Anselm is often called the “Father of Scholasticism” because he helped establish the method of using careful reasoning to deepen understanding of the truths of the Catholic faith. His approach influenced generations of theologians, including St. Thomas Aquinas.
What does “Faith seeking understanding” mean?
“Faith seeking understanding” (Fides quaerens intellectum) expresses St. Anselm’s belief that faith comes first, and that believers should continually seek a deeper understanding of God through prayer, study, and reflection. It reminds Catholics that faith and reason are complementary, not opposed.
Can I pray the St. Anselm Novena before exams?
Yes. Many students, teachers, and scholars pray this novena before examinations, important academic work, theological studies, or whenever they seek wisdom, clarity, and guidance from God.
Why is St. Anselm important in the Catholic Church?
St. Anselm helped explain many central teachings of the Catholic faith through his theological writings while always emphasizing prayer and holiness. His life demonstrates that intellectual study should always lead to a deeper love of God.
Is the St. Anselm Novena approved by the Catholic Church?
Yes. The St. Anselm Novena is a private Catholic devotion inspired by the life, writings, and virtues of St. Anselm of Canterbury. While novenas are not part of the Church’s official liturgy, they are a cherished Catholic tradition that encourages perseverance in prayer and devotion to God through the intercession of the saints.
| Novena Begins: | April 12 |
| Feast Day: | April 21 |
Day 1 – St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God, and You are my all, yet I have not seen You.
You have made me and remade me. You have bestowed upon me all the good things I possess, yet I do not truly know You as I ought. I have not yet fully accomplished that for which I was created.
Teach me to seek You, for I cannot seek You unless You teach me, nor can I find You unless You reveal Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire, and let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, and let me love You more perfectly when I find You.
Through the intercession of St. Anselm of Canterbury, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May my mind always seek Your truth, my heart always love Your goodness, and my life always glorify You.
Amen.
St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God, and You are my all, yet I have not seen You.
You have made me and remade me. You have bestowed upon me all the good things I possess, yet I do not truly know You as I ought. I have not yet fully accomplished that for which I was created.
Teach me to seek You, for I cannot seek You unless You teach me, nor can I find You unless You reveal Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire, and let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, and let me love You more perfectly when I find You.
Through the intercession of St. Anselm of Canterbury, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May my mind always seek Your truth, my heart always love Your goodness, and my life always glorify You.
Amen.
St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God, and You are my all, yet I have not seen You.
You have made me and remade me. You have bestowed upon me all the good things I possess, yet I do not truly know You as I ought. I have not yet fully accomplished that for which I was created.
Teach me to seek You, for I cannot seek You unless You teach me, nor can I find You unless You reveal Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire, and let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, and let me love You more perfectly when I find You.
Through the intercession of St. Anselm of Canterbury, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May my mind always seek Your truth, my heart always love Your goodness, and my life always glorify You.
Amen.
St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God, and You are my all, yet I have not seen You.
You have made me and remade me. You have bestowed upon me all the good things I possess, yet I do not truly know You as I ought. I have not yet fully accomplished that for which I was created.
Teach me to seek You, for I cannot seek You unless You teach me, nor can I find You unless You reveal Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire, and let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, and let me love You more perfectly when I find You.
Through the intercession of St. Anselm of Canterbury, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May my mind always seek Your truth, my heart always love Your goodness, and my life always glorify You.
Amen.
St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God, and You are my all, yet I have not seen You.
You have made me and remade me. You have bestowed upon me all the good things I possess, yet I do not truly know You as I ought. I have not yet fully accomplished that for which I was created.
Teach me to seek You, for I cannot seek You unless You teach me, nor can I find You unless You reveal Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire, and let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, and let me love You more perfectly when I find You.
Through the intercession of St. Anselm of Canterbury, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May my mind always seek Your truth, my heart always love Your goodness, and my life always glorify You.
Amen.
St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God, and You are my all, yet I have not seen You.
You have made me and remade me. You have bestowed upon me all the good things I possess, yet I do not truly know You as I ought. I have not yet fully accomplished that for which I was created.
Teach me to seek You, for I cannot seek You unless You teach me, nor can I find You unless You reveal Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire, and let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, and let me love You more perfectly when I find You.
Through the intercession of St. Anselm of Canterbury, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May my mind always seek Your truth, my heart always love Your goodness, and my life always glorify You.
Amen.
St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God, and You are my all, yet I have not seen You.
You have made me and remade me. You have bestowed upon me all the good things I possess, yet I do not truly know You as I ought. I have not yet fully accomplished that for which I was created.
Teach me to seek You, for I cannot seek You unless You teach me, nor can I find You unless You reveal Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire, and let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, and let me love You more perfectly when I find You.
Through the intercession of St. Anselm of Canterbury, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May my mind always seek Your truth, my heart always love Your goodness, and my life always glorify You.
Amen.
St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God, and You are my all, yet I have not seen You.
You have made me and remade me. You have bestowed upon me all the good things I possess, yet I do not truly know You as I ought. I have not yet fully accomplished that for which I was created.
Teach me to seek You, for I cannot seek You unless You teach me, nor can I find You unless You reveal Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire, and let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, and let me love You more perfectly when I find You.
Through the intercession of St. Anselm of Canterbury, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May my mind always seek Your truth, my heart always love Your goodness, and my life always glorify You.
Amen.
St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God, and You are my all, yet I have not seen You.
You have made me and remade me. You have bestowed upon me all the good things I possess, yet I do not truly know You as I ought. I have not yet fully accomplished that for which I was created.
Teach me to seek You, for I cannot seek You unless You teach me, nor can I find You unless You reveal Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire, and let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, and let me love You more perfectly when I find You.
Through the intercession of St. Anselm of Canterbury, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May my mind always seek Your truth, my heart always love Your goodness, and my life always glorify You.
Amen.
St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…