Under King Edwy, Dunstan was exiled to Flanders. There he lived the true monastic life for which he longed. When Edgar overthrew his brother as king, Dunstan returned to England and was consecrated bishop of Worcester. Soon after, he became bishop of London, and finally archbishop of Canterbury and head of the English Church.
As Archbishop, Dunstan oversaw the coronations of kings and had the influence of a statesman. When King Saint Edward was martyred, Archbishop Dunstan rebuked his brother, King Ethelred at his coronation. After this, Saint Dunstan lost his political influence and retired to his churchly duties. He reposed on May 19, 988, and was buried in the Canterbury cathedral, where his relics remain to this day. He was immediately venerated by the faithful and he was formally glorified in 1029.
His feast day is celebrated on May 19.
