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Saint Benedict the Abbot
Saint Benedict the Abbot is known as the patriarch of western monasticism. He was born approximately 480 AD and died in 547. During his lifetime, the Goths established a kingdom in Italy and were striving to defend it when a 14-year-old St. Benedict was sent to Rome to complete his education.
He fled from Rome knowing only that God was calling him to the life of a monk or hermit. Upon receiving his monastic habit from Romanus, he endured a three-year probation of silence, penance, and prayer at Subiaco. Afterward, he built twelve monasteries for the postulants, Goth, and nobles who wished to share his way of life.
He established the world-famous Abbey of Monte Cassino where he stayed the remainder of his life and wrote The Rule, the code which was to dominate western religious life for 600 years. It is a remarkable document, Roman in strength and balance, accentuating the virtues of obedience and humility.
St. Benedict was buried at Monte Cassino in the same grave as his sister, St. Scholastic. St. Benedict's feast day traditional was celebrated on March 21 (the date of his death) and is currently celebrated on July 11. He is remembered for his most famous quote: "Ora et Labora," (Pray and Work).
For more information on St. Benedict of Nursia visit: