Easter MondayOffice of Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer | Night Prayer | Mass(St Anselm (1033 - 1109))

Anselm was born in Aosta, in northern Italy, and became a monk of Bec in Normandy, where he taught theology and devoted himself to the spiritual life. After some years as abbot, he succeeded his master Lanfranc as archbishop of Canterbury. His bitter disputes with the kings of England over the independence of the Church resulted in his twice being exiled. He died at Canterbury on 21 April 1109. He is remembered for his theological learning and writings, and for organising and reforming church life in England.(Saint Maelrubha (642-722))

Easter SundayOffice of Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer | Night Prayer | Mass(Saints Marcellinus, Vincent and Domninus (- 374))

Marcellinus with two fellow missionaries, Vincent and Domninus, left their native Africa in order to bring the faith to Gaul (now France). So many people welcomed their preaching that soon it became necessary to establish a diocese in order to coordinate the missionary ministry. Marcellinus was named the first bishop of the Diocese of Embrun on account of his missionary zeal and holiness. Later on he suffered verbal and physical persecution from the Arians. He died in 374.(St Beuno (- 640))

Holy SaturdayOffice of Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer | Night Prayer | Mass(St Alphege (- 1012))

Alphege (Old English Ælfheah) became a monk at Deerhurst, Gloucestershire, about 970, and eventually Abbot of Bath. In 984 he became Bishop of Winchester where he was known for his personal austerity and almsgiving. The king sent him to parley with the Danish raider Anlaf, and this he did with such success that Anlaf never raided England again. In 1005 Alphege became Archbishop of Canterbury. The Danes were raiding once more and in 1011 they besieged Canterbury and captured it. Alphege was imprisoned and an enormous ransom was asked for his release, which he forbade to be paid. On 19 April 1012, at Greenwich, his captors, drunk with wine, and enraged at ransom being refused, pelted him with bones of oxen and stones, till one of them, called Thurm, dispatched him with an axe. He was buried in St. Paul’s and by his death he became a national hero. As an act of reconciliation Canute, king of Denmark, England and Norway, in 1023 translated the body to Canterbury where it was buried near the high altar. Later Lanfranc confirmed the cult, and had a Life and Office written in his honour, and Thomas Becket just before his death commended his cause to God and Alphege.(Bl. Isnard of Chiampo OP ( - 1244))