April 21, 2025

Dear Friends,

If there is one thing that the four Gospel narratives agree on, it is this: Mary Magdalene was the first to realize that the tomb was empty, and Jesus had risen. Because of that, she is often called the “first missionary.”

As Jesus' disciples, we are called to follow in her footsteps and go out to announce the Gospel to all the world. So how do we do that?

As Franciscans, we go where people gather. We are found in churches, in missionary fields, in the poorest streets around the world, in parishes, and online.

Every day we receive messages of ways in which our ministry is touching people's lives and helping them grow their faith. “I thank you for the daily inspiration and daily source of reflection that I receive by reading your Saint of the Day, Minute Meditations, and Pause+Pray,” wrote one user. Another said he found inspiration in our magazine, St. Anthony Messenger, and our new podcast Off the Page.

Like Mary Magdalene, we are charged with being a witness to the resurrection of Jesus, to sharing this grace with open arms and open hearts to those who seek to hear it.

Thank you in advance for partnering with us in this great mission. We wish you a wonderful Easter!

Saint of the Day for April 21:
   Anselm

(1033 – April 21, 1109)

Listen to Saint Anselm’s Story Here

Indifferent toward religion as a young man, Anselm became one of the Church’s greatest theologians and leaders. He received the title “Father of Scholasticism” for his attempt to analyze and illumine the truths of faith through the aid of reason.

At 15, Anselm wanted to enter a monastery, but was refused acceptance because of his father’s opposition. Twelve years later, after careless disinterest in religion and years of worldly living, he finally fulfilled his desire to be a monk. He entered the monastery of Bec in Normandy, was elected prior three years later, and 15 years later, was unanimously chosen abbot.

Considered an original and independent thinker, Anselm was admired for his patience, gentleness, and teaching skill. Under his leadership, the Abbey of Bec became a monastic school, influential in philosophical and theological studies.

During these years, at the community’s request, Anselm began publishing his theological works, comparable to those of Saint Augustine. His best-known work is the book Cur Deus Homo (“Why God Became Man”).

Against his will, Anselm was appointed archbishop of Canterbury in 1093, at age 60. His appointment was opposed at first by England’s King William Rufus and later accepted. Rufus persistently refused to cooperate with efforts to reform the Church.

Anselm finally went into voluntary exile until Rufus died in 1100. He was then recalled to England by Rufus’ brother and successor, Henry I. Disagreeing fearlessly with Henry over the king’s insistence on investing England’s bishops, Anselm spent another three years in exile in Rome.

His care and concern extended to the very poorest people. Opposing the slave trade, Anselm obtained from the national council at Westminster the passage of a resolution prohibiting the sale of human beings.

Reflection

Like every true follower of Christ, Anselm had to carry his cross, especially in the form of opposition and conflict with those in political control. Though personally a mild and gentle man and a lover of peace, he would not back off from conflict and persecution when principles were at stake.