The Story of St Edmund

St. Edmund (1174-1240) Peacemaker, Father of the Poor, Patron of sick Children

St. Edmund of Canterbury is remembered in England, France and America for his faithful life loving God.

In France, where he is buried, St. Edmund is known as the patron saint of sick children.

In England, where he was born, St. Edmund is known as a peacemaker. 

Edmund’s life began in Abingdon, a small village close to Oxford.

As a young man, he became a noted professor of maths and geometry at Oxford University. In mid-career, he was inspired by a dream to leave teaching and enter the priesthood. After becoming a priest, Edmund left Oxford for a country parish near Salisbury. There he gave away his possessions to feed the poor and care for the sick. The Pope, learning of Edmund’s self-sacrificing spirit, named him Archbishop of Canterbury.

While journeying to Rome, Edmund fell sick and died in Pontigny, France. He was buried there at the Abbey and many miracles took place at his tomb. Within six years, the Pope declared him a saint. Six centuries later, the Society of St. Edmund was founded at Pontigny.

Now the Fathers of St. Edmund are involved in apostolates in England, the United States and Venezuela. The Edmundites keep their patron’s memory alive by following his example of service to others. The Fathers of St. Edmund try to be, as Edmund was,

“eyes to the blind, feet to the lame, father of the poor and friend to strangers in trouble.”

                                                                                                                                           Information comes from the Society of Saint Edmund