CAPG's Blog 

Saint Dunstan and the Devil

"He spent his youth under the care of some Irish monks at Glastonbury, and outstripped all his companions in his studies. When grown up, he was received among the clergy: and as he had now chosen God for his inheritance, he endeavoured to make him the beginning and end of all his actions. He was temperate in his diet, sparing in sleep, grave in his deportment, sweet and affable in his conversation, diligent in flying evil, courageous and constant in following good. He loved chastity, and hated impurity; which he more effectually declined by avoiding idleness After he was ordained priest he served the church of Glastonbury, living in a small cell, and spending his hours in fasting, prayer, and manual labour. King Edmond gave him the territory of Glastonbury, to build a church and monastery there. St. Dunstan soon stocked it with a numerous community of Benedictine monks, over whom he presided as abbot, and whom he trained up in regular discipline and religious perfection. After the death of King Edmond, and his brother Edred, the throne was occupied by Edwy, a young prince of a debauched and profligate character. St. Dunstan sought in vain to reclaim him; and the young king, in return for his charitable remonstrances, banished him the kingdom. The saint remained one year in Flanders, and was then recalled by King Edgar, who insisted on his accepting the see of Worcester. He was consecrated bishop in the year 957. Four years after, St. Dunstan was made archbishop of Canterbury, and appointed by the pope apostolic legate throughout the kingdom. The multiplicity of affairs with which he was charged, his preaching and other spiritual labours, did not hinder him from finding time for prayer, and reading the divine Scriptures. The nearer his time came for being united to his sovereign good, the more he aspired to him. At length the time came, when his labours were to be crowned; and he gave up his soul to his Creator, on the 19th of May, 988, being about seventy years old.

Pray for all the bishops of God's Church, and in particular for those of your country. Pray for all the people, that virtue and truth may be established among them; that before all things they may seek the kingdom of God, and his justice." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother