13th October, St Edward, King of England

St Edward the Confessor, King of England

Edward, called the Confessor, was a grandson of St. Edward, king and Martyr.

When he was raised to the throne of England "it was seen," says a historian, "what can be done by a king who is the true father of his subjects. All those who approached him endeavoured to regulate their lives according to his. Neither ambition, nor the love of riches, nor any of the passions which are unfortunately so common among courtiers, were known at his court." He was everywhere called the father of the orphans and of the poor, and he was never happier than when he could distribute alms (Epistle). He always granted what was requested of him in the name of St. John the Evangelist. He died A.D. 1066.

When he was raised to the throne of England he was everywhere called the father of the orphans and of the poor. He died on 5th January 1066. His reign was popularly remembered as a time of justice and mercy by subsequent generations.

13th October is the anniversary of the translation of his relics in 1163, when his incorrupt body was translated into Westminster Abbey, which he had founded, by St Thomas of Canterbury, in the presence of King Henry II.

Os justi meditabitur sapientiam, et lingua ejus loquetur judicium; lex Dei ejus in corde ipsius. * Noli aemulari in malignantibus: neque zelaveris facientes iniquitatem.
The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgement: the law of his God is in his heart. * Be not emulous of evildoers: nor envy them that work iniquity.
(Psalm 36:30-31,1 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui beatum regem Eduardum Confessorem tuum aeternitatis gloria coronasti: fac nos, quaesumus; ita eum venerari in terris, ut cum eo regnare possimus in caelis.

O God, who hast crowned with glory everlasting the blessed King Edward, Thy confessor; grant us, we pray Thee, so to revere him on earth that we may reign with him in heaven.

(Collect).



Veritas mea, et misericordia mea cum ipso: et in nomine meo exaltabitur cornu ejus.

My truth and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

(Psalm 88:25 - the Offertory of Mass)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05322a.htm