St. Benedict of Nursia
Patron of Europe, students, and those seeking order in life
- Feast day
- July 11
- Origin
- Nursia, Italy
- Era
- 5th–6th century
- Order
- Benedictine
About the saint
Benedict was born around 480 in Nursia and abandoned his studies in Rome, appalled by the city, to live as a hermit in a cave at Subiaco. Disciples gathered despite his wishes, and in about 529 he founded the monastery of Monte Cassino.
The Rule he wrote there — moderate, humane, and organised around prayer, work and community — became the foundation of Western monasticism and, through the monasteries, of European learning and agriculture. Paul VI named him patron of Europe in 1964.
The Benedictine medal, with its cross and abbreviated prayer against evil, is one of the oldest sacramentals still in common use.
Works
The Rule of St. Benedict
A short, balanced rule of monastic life built around prayer, work and stability.
Read it →
Documented miracles
The poisoned cup
Monks who resented his discipline are said to have offered him poisoned wine; the cup shattered when he blessed it.
Vicovaro, c. 525
The vision of the world in light
Near the end of his life he reported seeing the whole world gathered in a single ray of light.
Monte Cassino, c. 547