St. Edward the Confessor — 1003-1066, Feast Oct 13
1. The ONLY King of England officially canonized by a Pope St. Edward the Confessor — 1003-1066, Feast Oct 13 He is the only King of England to be formally canonized by the Catholic Church — in 1161 by Pope Alexander III . Why? Known for gentleness and piety, not war — called Father of the Poor Abolished unjust taxes, cared for the poor, rebuilt churches and Westminster Abbey Ruled prudently and with much peace after decades of Danish wars Lived a vow of chastity in marriage, dedicated England to St. Peter After death, his body found incorrupt and miracles reported at his tomb He remains patron of kings, difficult marriages, and separated spouses. 2. Anglo-Saxon Kings of the English Kingdoms venerated as Saints — Pre-Congregation Before the 10th century there was no formal papal canonization. Saints were made by popular cult — if a king died for the faith, he was acclaimed a martyr. The Church still recognizes them as saints, but pre-congregation . a) St. Edmund the Martyr, King ...