St Anselm

Prayer to St Anselm

Grant lord God,
That we may cleave to you without parting,
Worship you without wearying,
Serve you without failing,
Faithfully seek you, 
Happily find you, 
Forever possess you,
The one only god,
Blessed for all eternity.
Amen

The History of St Anselm

St Anselm was born in Aosta, Italy in 1033. When he was 16, St Anselm showed an interest in entering a monastery, but his father would not give him permission. Anselm's love of God continued to grow and in 1061 he became a priest and joined a monastery in Normandy, France. In 1093, Anselm was made the Arch Bishop of Canterbury and he was responsible for parishes in Harrow. Anselm visited Harrow and he consecrated St Mary's Church in 1094 and this is why our school has been named in his memory. 

St Anselm's Feast Day

Our day began with a whole school Mass, which was beautifully led by 4 Pine and the Y5 GIFT team.

The GIFT team presented each class with a St Anselm's prayer frame, after they had been blessed by Fr Tim, in Fr Derek's absence. 

Key Stage 2 then completed a pilgrimage up the Hill to St Mary’s Church to retrace St Anselm’s footsteps.

Rev. James Power spoke to the children about why St Anselm visited Harrow, and he showed them the icon and stained-glass window that have been installed in St Anselm’s honour. 

Back at school, EYFS and Key Stage 1 classes developed their creative skills to use to make their own stained-glass windows, portraits of St Anselm, stand-up St Anselm figures and some mitres fit for a bishop. 

Inspired by Fr Derek's homework challenge, we thought about St Anselm's greatest attribute and how we can use his teachings in our own daily lives. Fr Derek taught us: 'We have a lot to be thankful to God for in having St Anselm walk in Harrow. Let us try and walk in his footsteps, not just physically but more importantly in a spiritual way.'

St Anselm's Feast Day 2024