St. Edward the Confessor
King of England
Feast Day: October 13
Biography
St. Edward the Confessor (c. 1003–1066) was the son of King Æthelred II and Emma of Normandy. When Danish kings seized the English throne, he spent some twenty-five years in exile in Normandy. In 1042 he returned to become king, and he reigned for more than two decades in a largely peaceful period, though he had to contend with powerful nobles, especially the family of Earl Godwin, whose daughter Edith he married. The couple had no children, and later tradition held that they lived in chastity. Edward was known for his personal devotion, his almsgiving, and his accessibility to ordinary people. His great project was the rebuilding of the Benedictine abbey of Westminster, consecrated on December 28, 1065. He died only days later, on January 5, 1066, and was buried there. His death without an heir led to the Norman Conquest later that year. Pope Alexander III canonized him in 1161, and on October 13, 1163, St. Thomas Becket presided at the translation of his relics to a new shrine; that date became his traditional feast. The title 'Confessor' marks him as a saint who witnessed to Christ by a holy life rather than martyrdom. His shrine in Westminster Abbey is still a place of pilgrimage.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Edward, holy king, you used your power to serve God and to care for the poor. Pray for all who hold authority, that they may govern with justice and mercy. Help me to be generous with what I have, faithful in my commitments, and ready to build up the house of God in my own time and place. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Edward the Confessor, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Edward the Confessor, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.