Dunstan

Text

House Colour: White

Dates: 909– 988
Feast Day: 19th may

Historical Context & Story:

Born in 910 near Glastonbury and educated at Glastonbury Abbey by Irish monks, Dunstan grew up during the era of Viking invasions to become Anglo-Saxon England’s multi-talented reformer. A master silversmith, musician, painter, and royal treasurer, he spent time living as a hermit devoted to prayer, literature, and crafts before being ordained as a priest. Following a two-year exile in Flanders, he was appointed Bishop of Worcester and later Bishop of London, reaching the height of his influence during the sixteen-year reign of King Edgar, when he served as Archbishop of Canterbury and Chief Minister of State. Throughout his public life, Dunstan reformed monasteries, combated corruption, and famously dragged young King Eadwig back to his duties when the monarch abandoned his own coronation banquet. Upon King Edgar’s death, Dunstan retired to teach at the Cathedral School in Canterbury, where he died peacefully on 19 May 988 and was buried in the cathedral.

Saintly Charisms:

- Sanctified Creativity: Using artistic skills as acts of worship and service.
- Wisdom & Governance: Managing practical and political affairs with honesty.
- Prophetic Truth-Telling: Holding people in power accountable to their duties.
- Renewal & Reform: Restoring energy and discipline where things have grown lax.

Quotes for Young People:

"Every gift of skill or intellect is given by God to be used for the good of all."

"The devil finds work for idle hands; keep your mind and hands busy with what is good."

"Let all things be done with order, beauty, and devotion."

Further Reading:

https://ewtn.co.uk/article-gb-saint-dunstan-archbishop-and-reformer/

https://www.bl.uk/stories/blogs/posts/st-dunstan

St francis of assisi

Dates: 1181 – 1226
Feast Day: 4th october

historical context & story:

A rich young man who gave up his inheritance to embrace radical poverty. He founded the Franciscans, rebuilt ruined chapels, tamed the Wolf of Gubbio, created the first Nativity scene, and traveled unarmed into the Crusades to speak of peace with Sultan al-Kamil.

saintly charisms:

- Poverty & Radical Freedom: Abandoning material clutter to rely on God.
- Kinship with Creation: Treating nature as brothers and sisters under God.
- Bold Peacemaking: Crossing war zones unarmed to build friendship.
- Humility & Joy: Finding deep happiness in being simple and helpful.

quotes for young people:

"Start by doing what is necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words."

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace."

"All praise be yours, my Lord, through all that you have created."

further reading:

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/st-francis-of-assisi-5317

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-of-assisi/

https://www.liturgies.net/saints/francis/writings.htm