Saint Anselm of Lucca
Saint Anselm of Lucca (born c. 1036 AD in Mantua, Italy; died March 18, 1086 AD in Mantua, Italy) was a Gregorian reform bishop of Lucca and one of the closest collaborators of Pope Gregory VII in the Investiture Controversy. He resigned his see, joined the Benedictines under Gregory's direction, was compelled to return, and became one of the great canonists and reform theologians of the 11th century. His feast day is March 18.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Anselm of Lucca
| Saint Anselm of Lucca | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | March 18 |
| Profession | Benedictine monk (briefly); Bishop of Lucca (1073–1086 AD); canonical scholar; theologian; reformer; exile for papal loyalty; close collaborator of Pope Gregory VII and Countess Matilda of Tuscany |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Benedictine Order (briefly professed); Diocese of Lucca; Gregorian Reform; 11th-century reforming papacy; canonical tradition |
| Patronage | Lucca; Mantua; those who suffer for defending Church rights; canon lawyers; reform bishops; those in exile for their faith |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments; a book of canon law or scrolls (his canonical collection); papal letter (Gregory VII's guidance); Lucca Cathedral in background; Mantua in background; the reform papacy cross |
| Birthplace | Mantua, Italy (Holy Roman Empire) |
| Death Place | Mantua, Italy (Holy Roman Empire) |
| Cause of Death | Natural death; died March 18, 1086 AD, in Mantua, where he had been living as a reforming bishop and theological advisor to the Countess Matilda of Tuscany; he was approximately 50 years old; he had been forced from his see at Lucca and was living in exile at the court of Matilda; he died peacefully in Mantua; miracles were immediately reported at his tomb; he was canonized by Pope Urban II in 1087, one year after his death — one of the fastest canonizations in medieval history |
| Primary Shrine | Sant'Anselmo Basilica, Mantua — the primary shrine; March 18 feast; Mantua pilgrimage |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial (Roman Rite); March 18; Feast in Lucca and Mantua |
| Historic Class | Not in universal 1962 calendar; observed locally |
Biography
Anselm was born c. 1036 in Mantua. His uncle was Anselm of Baggio, later Pope Alexander II (1061–1073). In 1073 the new pope Gregory VII appointed Anselm (the nephew) as Bishop of Lucca.
But Anselm had received imperial investiture from Emperor Henry IV — which Gregory VII considered illegitimate. Gregory required him to renounce it. Anselm eventually entered a Benedictine monastery under Gregory's direction. Gregory then required him to return and govern Lucca without imperial investiture.
His episcopate at Lucca was turbulent. Eventually expelled by imperial forces, he lived at the court of Countess Matilda of Tuscany in Mantua. There he produced his canonical collection — a legal compendium supporting the reform papacy's positions — and provided theological guidance to Matilda and Gregory.
He died March 18, 1086, in Mantua. Pope Urban II canonized him one year later in 1087 — one of the fastest canonizations in medieval history, deliberately honoring a faithful servant of the Gregorian reform.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Mantua, Italy (Holy Roman Empire)
Death location: Mantua, Italy (Holy Roman Empire)
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Sant'Anselmo Basilica, Mantua — his tomb; March 18 feast.
- Lucca Cathedral — his former episcopal see.
Feast day
March 18
Veneration
Saint Anselm of Lucca was a Gregorian reform bishop who suffered exile for faithfully following Pope Gregory VII in the Investiture Controversy. His canonical collection strengthened the reforming papacy's legal position. Canonized 1087 by Pope Urban II. Feast March 18.
Prayers
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