St. Edward the Confessor
-
Background | Interesting Facts | The Legend
Background on Our Saint
St. Edward the Confessor was a kind and gentle king who lived many centuries ago, during the medieval times. Born in England in the year 1003, he became a wise and beloved ruler. Edward was known for his deep faith in the Catholic Church and his devotion to God.
As king, St. Edward worked hard to bring peace and justice to his kingdom. He cared for his people, helping the poor and promoting harmony among his subjects. His life was marked by acts of charity and humility.
One of St. Edward's most significant achievements was the construction of Westminster Abbey in London, a beautiful church that stands as a symbol of his dedication to God. He supported the Church and worked to spread Christianity throughout his land.
St. Edward is called "the Confessor" because of his extrodinary commitment to his faith but, unlike a "Martyr" who dies for his faith, died naturally. He lived a life of prayer and sought guidance from God in all his decisions.
Even after his death in 1066, St. Edward's legacy lived on. The Catholic Church recognized his holiness, and he was later canonized as a saint. Today, people remember St. Edward the Confessor as a model of faith, kindness, and leadership in the Catholic tradition.
-
BackForwardPauseCaption -
Interesting Facts:
- Only King of England to be canonized as a saint
- His body is incorruptible
- His feast day is on October 13
- He took a vow of chastity even through his marriage to his wife Edith
- He is the patron saint of difficult marriages, separated spouses, and kings
- For school, he is seen as the patron saint of difficult friendships
- He build Westminster Abby where his body is still emtombed there
- He even began the royal custom of laying hands on people to cure them of scrofula, “the king’s evil” (causes swollen lymph nodes in the neck resulting in lots of pain). Many were healed. Edward’s reputation for healing the sick continued after his death.
- He was able to live without imposing taxes on the people as typical royal families do which allowed the people to flourish.
- Pictures of St. Edward usually show him with a church in his hand representing Westminster Abbey or a ruby ring to represent to story below.
Legends of St. Edward the Confessor:
The Sarum Breviary tells a charming story of St. Edward and his devotion to St. John the Evangelist. While attending the consecration of a church in Essex, Edward was approached by an elderly man who asked him for alms in the name of God and of St. John. The royal almoner was not present, and having nothing else on him, Edward gave him his ring. Many years later, two English pilgrims in Jerusalem met an elderly man who, on learning where they were from, said to them “I ask you brothers, return to your king, and give him the message which I shall send by you. I am John, the Apostle and Evangelist, and I love the holy king Edward for his chastity, for I know him to be near to God.” He then explained to them how he received the ring from Edward, “which I have kept unto this day for love and reverence for the man of God; I now send it back to him with glory, and within a short time, shall render even more pleasing gifts. For within half a year’s time, he will be clothed as I am in the robe of immortality…” The pilgrims returned to the king, delivering both the message and the ring. And indeed, St. Edward took ill on Christmas night of that year, and by Childermas (Dec. 28 – Holy Innocents Day – King Herod ordered the killing of all under the age of 2) was too sick to attend the consecration ceremony of the abbey of St. Peter, which he himself had founded and built.
