About Us Parish History
Why is it fitting that in 1974 the people of a parish community in Glastonbury, Connecticut seek the spiritual patronage of a Saint who lived during the tenth century?
St. Dunstan was born near Glastonbury, England, and lived most of his life in that area. Since Glastonbury, Connecticut has a historical connection to Glastonbury, England, it would not be inappropriate to name a church here in honor of the abbot of a famous monastery there. However , one should recognize that St. Dunstan was an organizer, a strengthener, who revitalized both the spiritual and temporal life of those around him. He did this by urging his monks to "work and Pray" in a manner established 400 years before by St. Benedict. As advisor to King Ethelred, he supported the monarch but did not hesitate to rebuke him, when necessary. St. Dunstan lived in a holy and resolute fashion which made him beloved to the common people. These actions reveal that St. Dunstan did not introduce new ideas but showed people how to use what was already available. So, in a day when our family, community, political and spiritual lives need bolstering, the methods and outlook of St. Dunstan are timely. May his example guide us.
References: - The Saints, A Concise Biographical Dictionary,
edited by John Caulson, published by Hawthorn
Books, Inc., New York, N. Y. 1958
- "St. Dunstan" by Christopher Hollis from
The Tablet, London, England, May 5, 1973
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