Biography of Saint Benedict of Nursia

Saint Benedict of Nursia

Also known as

• Benedict of Nursia
• Benedict of Nursia
• Benedetto da Norcia
• Founder of Western Monasticism

Additional Memorials

• 21 March (Benedictines; Norway)
• 14 March (Byzantine Rite)
• 4 December (France)

Profile

Born to the Roman nobility. Twin brother of Saint Scholastica. Studied in Rome, Italy, but was dismayed by the lack of discipline and the lackadaisical attitude of his fellow students. Fled to the mountains near Subiaco, Italy, living as a hermit in a cave for three years; reported having been fed by a raven. A friend of Saint Romanus of Subiaco who lived as a nearby hermit; spiritual teacher of Saint Placid. Benedict's virtues caused an abbey to request him to lead them. Founded the monastery at Monte Cassino, where he wrote the Rule of his order. His discipline was such that an attempt was made on his life; some monks tried to poison him, but he blessed the cup and rendered it harmless. He returned to his cave, but continued to attract followers, and eventually established twelve monasteries. Had the ability to read consciences, the gift of prophecy, and could forestall attacks of the devil. Destroyed pagan statues and altars, drove demons from groves sacred to pagans. At one point there were over 40,000 monasteries guided by the Benedictine Rule. A summation of the Rule: "Pray and work."

Born

c.480, Narsia, Umbria, Italy

Died

• 21 March 547 of a fever while in prayer at Monte Cassino, Italy
• buried beneath the high altar there in the same tomb as Saint Scholastica

Canonized

1220 by Pope Honorius III

Patronage

• against erysipelas
• against fever
• against gallstones
• against inflammatory diseases
• against kidney disease
• against nettle rash
• against poison
• against temptations
• against witchcraft
• architects
• dying people
• cavers, spelunkers
• monks
• people in religious orders
• servants who have broken their master's belongings
• speleologists
• students, school children
• agricultural and farm workers
• civil engineers
• coppersmiths
• Italian architects
• Italian farmers (proclaimed on 12 July 1959 by Pope John XXIII)
• Benedictines
• Europe (proclaimed on 24 October 1964 by Pope Paul VI)
• Heerdt, Germany
• Norcia, Italy
• Subiaco, Italy

Representation

• bell
• broken cup
• broken cup and serpent representing poison
• broken utensil
• bush
• crosier
• man in a Benedictine cowl holding Benedict's rule or a rod of discipline
• raven

Readings

Prayer ought to be short and pure unless it be prolonged by the inspiration of Divine grace. - Saint Benedict

Girded with a faith, and the performance of good works, let us follow in Christ's path by the guidance of the Gospel; then we shall deserve to see him "who has called us into his kingdom." If we wish to attain a dwelling place in his kingdom, we shall not reach it unless we hasten there by our good deeds. Just as there exists an evil fervour, a bitter spirit, which divides us from God and leads us to hell, so there is a good fervour which sets us apart from evil inclinations and leads us toward God and eternal life. No one should follow what he considers to be good for himself, but rather what seems good for another. Let them put Christ before all else; and may he lead us all to everlasting life. - from the Rule of Saint Benedict