About St. Benedict
St. Benedict was a 6th-century monk who profoundly shaped Western monasticism and civilization through his Rule, which balanced prayer, work, and community life. Born to a noble Roman family around 480, he abandoned his studies in Rome, disgusted by the city’s corruption, to live as a hermit in Subiaco. His holiness attracted followers, leading him to establish twelve monasteries before founding the great abbey of Monte Cassino, where he wrote his famous Rule. The Rule of St. Benedict, marked by its wisdom, moderation, and flexibility, provided a practical guide for monastic life that spread throughout Europe and remains influential today. He emphasized “ora et labora” (prayer and work) as the foundation of monastic life, established a daily schedule of communal prayer (the Divine Office), and created a system of governance that valued both authority and consultation. Benedict was known for his miraculous powers, including reading hearts and prophesying, though his sister St. Scholastica is said to have exceeded him in miracles through her greater love. He died around 547 after receiving the Eucharist while standing, supported by his monks. He is considered the patron saint of Europe and is often depicted with a broken cup (representing a failed poisoning attempt), a bell (symbolizing monastery regulations), or a raven (which according to legend helped him avoid poisoned bread).
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