The Catholic Leadership Puzzle Podcast

St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena Day 1 PrayersO my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You. You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek You. I cannot seek You unless You teach me or find You unless You show Yourself to me. Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You. Amen St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for usAmen.(Mention your request here…)Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…Day 1 Reflection Intention—”Teach Me to Seek You, Lord”Historical note: Saint Anselm opens many prayers by asking God to teach him how to pray.Reflection (aligned prayer line: “Teach my heart where and how to seek You”):The novena begins not with answers, but with a plea to be taught how to seek. St. Anselm of Canterbury knew that prayer itself is learned through grace. We often rush toward solutions, yet this prayer slows us down, asking God to form our desire before satisfying it. To seek God rightly is already to be guided by Him. Anselm’s prayer reminds us that longing for God is not self-generated—it is invited by God Himself. Even imperfect prayer is precious when offered sincerely. When we ask God to teach us how to seek, we surrender pride and accept dependence. This is the foundation of genuine faith.Prayer:Teach my heart, O God, to seek You with humility and trust. Amen. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.substack.com/subscribe

My new book, Solving the Parish Puzzle: One Person, One Disciple, One Leader at a Time, is being released on Tuesday, April 21st—the feast of Saint Anselm of Centerbury.Therefore, I will be leading a novena to Saint Anselm to ask for his intercession that hearts and minds be open to the message of the book, and also that any success of the book bring about God’s glory and raises up many holy men and women to hlep build up the Kingdom of God.In Solving the Parish Puzzle, I offer a clear, practical, and deeply Catholic framework for building healthy, mission‑driven parish communities that truly save souls, make saints, and transform the world. Drawing from decades of my ministry experience, leadership formation, and evangelization, I present twelve essential leadership principles—the “puzzle pieces” every thriving parish must have in place.This book moves beyond theory to provide a repeatable, relational, and prayer‑rooted approach to leadership and discipleship. Readers will discover how evangelization, holistic formation, hospitality, communication, collaboration, and intentional leadership work together to create a sustainable community of communities—where people are known by name, accompanied with care, and empowered to live their baptismal call.Written for clergy, parish staff, ministry leaders, and engaged lay disciples, Solving the Puzzle challenges readers to rediscover their “why,” focus on what truly matters, and take concrete steps toward renewal—one person at a time.This is not another program. It’s a way forward.Some Background on Saint Anselm of CanterburySt. Anselm of Canterbury was a monk who lived in Italy and England in the 1000s and 1100s. He was a member of the Benedictine religious order. He also became the Archbishop of Canterbury and a Doctor of the Church.St. Anselm of Canterbury did a lot of important work for the Church and devoted his life to seeking truth, understanding God’s mysteries, and guiding souls toward holiness. His legacy continues to inspire believers around the world to pursue faith with both heart and mind.Each day offers a unique prayer theme inspired by the virtues of Saint Anselm—wisdom, humility, perseverance, and trust in God. As you pray, you will discover how these timeless spiritual truths can transform your life today.About St. Anselm of CanterburySt. Anselm was born around the year 1033 in Italy. His mother was a devout Catholic, though his father did not help influence him toward holiness. Anselm’s mother chose to send Anselm to a school run by Benedictine monks.During his time at the Benedictine school, Anselm began to feel called to pursue a religious vocation. This was influenced by a dream he had in which he talked to God. When Anselm was fifteen years old, he expressed his desire to become a monk. But his father refused to allow him to do so.Anselm’s mother died around this time. Anselm then contracted a severe illness. Once he recovered, he decided to leave his father’s house. He traveled throughout Italy and France for about three years.When Anselm traveled to Normandy, he met Blessed Lanfranc, who was a Benedictine prior. Anselm’s life regained a sense of purpose when he became Lanfranc’s disciple. Lanfranc recognized Anselm’s vocation and spiritual gifts.When Anselm was twenty-seven years old, he became a Benedictine and was ordained to the priesthood. In 1063, he became prior of the monastery. In 1079, he became abbot of another monastery.Because the Normans had recently conquered England, monks from Normandy went to England to help form the Church in England. So Lanfranc became Archbishop of Canterbury. He soon asked Anselm to join and assist him there.In the late 1080s, Lanfranc died. A period of turmoil for the Church in England followed. Anselm returned to his monastery in Normandy. In 1092, he agreed to return to England even though the current king was not friendly to the Church. But the king agreed to allow Anselm to be appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury.Anselm knew that this would lead to conflict between him and the English government, but he accepted the position anyway. As archbishop, Anselm insisted on the Church’s right to govern itself. The government attempted to claim the Church’s property and to rule over the Church. This conflict led to Anselm being exiled for three years. In 1106, he was restored to his archdiocese.For the rest of Anselm’s life, he carried out his motto: “Faith seeking understanding.” He pursued many theological investigations and wrote many significant works. He is considered by many to be the “Father of Scholasticism.” He did a lot of important work in both theology and philosophy.Anselm died in 1109. Pope Clement XI declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1720.The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acc