It's the Feast of
St. Edward the Confessor,
3rd Class, with the color of
White. In this episode: the meditation: "St. Michael the Archangel", today's news from the Church: "The Essence of the Fatima Message of October 13, 1917", a preview of this week's episode of Abp. Lefebvre Audiobook: "I Have Handed On What I Received", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.
Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows?
podcast@sspx.org
Sources Used Today:
- "St. Michael the Archangel" — From the Assumption to Advent
- "The Essence of the Fatima Message of October 13, 1917" (FSSPX.news)
- The SSPX Podcast: "I Have Handed On What I Received" (SSPX Podcast)
- The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press)
Saint Edward the Confessor was one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England, and his reign ended just months before one of the most famous events in English history: the Norman Conquest of 1066.
But Edward's story is interesting for another reason. He was a king who became a saint not because he died in battle or suffered martyrdom, but because he tried to govern his kingdom with justice, generosity, and a genuine love for God.
Edward was born around 1003 into the English royal family. His childhood was anything but peaceful. When Danish invaders took control of England, Edward was forced into exile in Normandy, where he spent much of his youth.
Imagine growing up as a prince who couldn't actually live in his own country.
He eventually returned to England and became king in 1042. By then, he was already known for his religious devotion and gentle character.
Edward was not the sort of king who enjoyed warfare.
He preferred settling disputes, helping the poor, and supporting the Church. One tradition says that he was so generous that when a beggar asked for money and Edward had none available, he removed a valuable ring from his finger and gave it away.
That ring became part of one of England's most beloved royal legends.
According to the story, years later two pilgrims traveling in the Holy Land encountered a mysterious old man who identified himself as Saint John the Evangelist. He gave them a ring to return to Edward, explaining that he had received it from the king while disguised as a beggar.
The message also foretold Edward's approaching death.
Another tradition says Edward possessed the gift of healing. People suffering from a disease known as came to him for help, and he reportedly cured them through prayer and touch. This helped establish the famous English custom of the Royal Touch, in which later kings touched sufferers while praying for their healing.
But Edward's most visible legacy is something you can still visit.
He rebuilt Westminster Abbey.
Edward wanted a magnificent church dedicated to Saint Peter beside his royal palace in London. The abbey was consecrated in December 1065, just days before Edward died in January 1066.
The building we see today is largely a later Gothic reconstruction, but Edward's shr
