St. Edward the Confessor
The Pious King of England
"In serving the king, I serve Christ."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- England
- Gender:
- Male
- Vocation:
- Laity
- Birth:
- 1003
- Feast Day:
- Oct 13
- Death:
- 1066
Saint Details
St. Edward the Confessor was born in Islip, Oxfordshire, around 1003, the son of King Ethelred II "the Unready" and Emma, daughter of Duke Richard I of Normandy. Following a Danish invasion in 1013, Edward and his brother Alfred were sent to Normandy, where they spent their formative years under the care of their uncle, Duke Richard II. This period significantly influenced Edward, who developed a strong devotion to the church and vowed to make a pilgrimage to St. Peter's tomb in Rome if he regained his kingdom. However, due to the potential instability this would cause, the Pope requested that Edward build a monastery to St. Peter instead. This led to the construction of Westminster Abbey, which was consecrated on December 28, 1065. Edward ruled England from 1042 until his death on January 5, 1066. He was known for his piety and generosity, earning him great respect from his people. In 1161, Pope Alexander III canonized Edward, recognizing his holy life as a Confessor—a saint who lived a virtuous life without martyrdom. His feast day is celebrated on October 13, marking the translation of his relics to a shrine in Westminster Abbey in 1163. Edward was the patron saint of England until 1415, when he was succeeded by St. George. His legacy as a saint-king remains deeply intertwined with the history of Westminster Abbey and the Norman influence on England.
Associated Holy Sites
The British Library
96 Euston Rd., London NW1 2DB, UK
Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, UK
Westminster Abbey
Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, UK
Details for: The British Library
The British Library, while not a traditional place of Catholic worship, holds immense religious significance for pilgrims seeking access to invaluable historical texts. Its vast collection of manuscripts and printed books includes countless religious documents crucial to the understanding of Catholic history, theology, and art. These primary sources offer unparalleled insight into the development of Catholic doctrine, the lives of saints, and the evolution of liturgical practices. For scholars and devout pilgrims alike, the Library's resources provide a tangible connection to the rich tapestry of the Catholic faith, allowing for profound study and reflection on its enduring legacy. Researchers can access original biblical texts, liturgical books, and theological treatises, enriching their faith and furthering their understanding. The sheer volume of material makes it a pilgrimage site of paramount importance for serious students of Catholicism.
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