Feastday: October 13
Saint Edward was born in Islip, England to King Ethelred III and his wife Emma who was the daughter of the Duke of Normandy. He was sent to Normandy in 1013 with his mother when the Danes under the leadership of Canute invaded England. Canute then married his mother Emma after the death of King Ethelred in 1016 and himself became the King.
Saint Edward however remained in Normandy and was brought up a Norman but returned to England in 1042 after the death of his step brother (son of Canute and Emma) to become the king of England.
He married Godwin’s daughter Edith in 1044. His reign was a peaceful one characterized by his good rule and remission of odious taxes, but also by the struggle, partly caused by his natural inclination to favor the Normans.
Saint Edward had brought with him Robert of Jumieges when he returned to England and whom he named Archbishop of Canterbury in 1051.
Edward faced difficulties from Godwin’s sons (Harold and Tostig) to determine his successor as Edward was childless. Edward however name Harold his successor and banished Tostig to Europe.
After this Edward became more interested in religious affairs and built St. Peter’s Abbey at Westminster, where he is buried. His piety gained him the surname “the Confessor”. He died in London on January 5, and he was canonized in 1161 by Pope Alexander III. His feast day is October 13.
Saints And Angels 