The Confessor King

St. Edward is special to our family.  His feast day just before the coming our our little Edward (12 years ago) should have been a sign that we would have our third son (not a daughter as so many predicted).  We had no idea at the time, however, it proved to clinch his given name as I prayed for intercession to this saint when I was praying for a healthy birth.

Born 1003
Death 1066
Patron: Difficult marriages; kings; separated spouses
England, but sent to Normandy
Edward the Confessor was the son of King Ethelred III and his Norman wife, Emma, daughter of Duke Richard I of Normandy

In spite of much tribulation in his early life (his father died and his mother married his country's invader bearing two half brothers who would be in line for the throne before him), he rose to the throne as King of England in 1042.  Edward gained a reputation as a just man, worthy of kingship, and the people of England gave him their support.  His reign was somewhat peaceful; however, there were times of distress in his life.  He was forced into a marriage to the daughter of his supporter, Godwin, yet Edward had him banished during his reign to avoid division.  When Godwin rebelled against Edward, instead of fighting a battle they met to discuss their differences and find a resolution.

He spent his later years building up the churches in England, including the building of the famous Westminster Abbey .  He allowed his advisers and his named heir to the throne, Harold, in charge of the affairs of the country.

His saintly name distinguishes him from an earlier king Edward (the Martyr).  The title "confessor" recalls his pious life as a witness to the teachings of the Church through his life.  This title is not given to priests as confessors of the people but to show the way their lives led others to Christ.  He would often give away his riches at his castle gates.  He would also care for the sick and poor.

His favorite saint was John the Evangelist.  There is a story that the apostle once came to him and asked for alms in the name of John.  Edward did not have any thing to give to this 'beggar' but wanting to do the right thing took off his royal ring.  The beggar then appeared as John and foretold the king's death.  Edward died soon after from an unknown illness.

As he lay dying, his words were: “I shall not die but shall live. Departing from the land of the dying, I hope to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.”

St. Edward the Confessor, pray for us!