Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Saint Anselm of Lucca was born in Mantua around 1036 and was educated there in grammar and dialectic, forming a mind that would later serve the Church in a time of fierce conflict. Nephew of the future Pope Alexander II, Anselm was chosen to succeed his uncle as Bishop of Lucca. Sent to Germany, he recoiled at the idea of receiving the signs of spiritual authority from a secular ruler, a hesitation that foreshadowed his lifelong stand in the Investiture Controversy. Though he briefly accepted investiture from Emperor Henry IV, his conscience drove him to resign and embrace the Benedictine life at a monastery near Mantua. Obedient to Pope Gregory VII, Anselm returned to Lucca, living as a monk-bishop and striving to renew the clergy with the Rule of Saint Augustine. Driven into exile amid imperial pressure, he became spiritual guide to Countess Matilda of Tuscany and later served as papal legate in Lombardy. A gifted scriptural scholar, he defended the freedom of the Church and compiled influential collections of canon law that strengthened Gregorian reform. He died in Mantua on March 18, 1086, and is honored as the patron saint of Mantua. His feast day is March 18.

Saint Fridianus, also known as San Frediano, was born in Ireland, traditionally an Ulster prince and son of King Ultach. Formed in the spirit of Irish monasticism and taught by holy guides such as Saints Enda and Colman, he was ordained a priest and set out as a pilgrim to Rome. Along the way, his heart was drawn to a hidden life with God, and he embraced solitude as a hermit on Mount Pisano near Lucca. His sanctity soon became known, and in 556 Pope John II urged him to accept the burden of shepherding the Church as Bishop of Lucca. Though faithful to his episcopal duties, Fridianus often returned to the countryside for prayer, showing that true leadership is rooted in contemplation. He was remembered for miracles, especially the beloved story of diverting the flooding River Serchio away from the city through prayer and trust in God. During Lombard attacks he rebuilt Lucca’s burned cathedral and strengthened the local Church, leaving a lasting legacy honored in the Basilica of San Frediano. He is venerated as patron of Sommocolonia. His feast day is March 18.