St. Anselm, who was born at Aosta in Piedmont, became a monk at the abbey of Bec-Hellouin in Normandy which was ruled by his fellow countryman Lanfranc. He succeeded him as abbot of Bec in 1078 and then, in 1093 as archbishop of Canterbury. As a philosopher and theologian St. Anselm was one of the forerunners of the scholastic movement. His writings have earned for him the title of Doctor of the Church. He was a courageous pastor, and defended the freedom of the Church against the ambitious tyranny of the kings of England. “Nothing in this world is dearer to Christ,” he said, “than the freedom of His Church.” St. Anselm died at Canterbury on April 21, 1109.