Died: May 19, 988 Feast Day: May 19 Patron Saint of: goldsmiths,
blacksmiths, musicians Saint Dunstan grew up under the influence
of a special role model - his uncle was the Archbishop of
Canterbury. As a young man, he mastered the arts of metalworks
and scribe. As an adult, he became an abbot at Glastonbury. By
this time in history, the English monasteries were fading as a
result of the onslaught and devastation brought about by the
Viking invasions. Dunstan, knowing the value of the monastic
life, took it upon himself to reestablish monasteries and
interest in the monastic life throughout England. At the request
of King Edgar, Saint Dunstan returned home to become Archbishop
of Canterbury. Continuing his mission work, Saint Dunstan
established many new churches and revived the arts of
illuminating Church manuscripts, devotional metalworks, and
hymnal music.