Saint Edward the Confessor, King of England Icon - S467

Saint Edward was the last King of England before the Great Schism, reigning from 1042 until 1066. He had a deep devotion to the Christian faith, and was known as a living saint. He spent the first 39 years of his life in exile due to the Danish invasions of England, but became king after the death of his half-brother Harthacnut.

As king, he brought peace to England. He was known for his generosity to the poor and his mercy for petty criminals. Inspired by a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Peter in Rome, Edward rebuilt the monastery of St. Peter in Westminster near London, which was the foundation of Westminster Abbey.

His feast is celebrated on October 13.