11th Jul - ST BENEDICT OF NURSIA (480-543)

 Benedict was born to the Roman nobility and twin brother of St Scholastica. Studied in Rome but was dismayed by the lack of discipline and the easygoing attitude of his fellow 

    students. He fled to the mountains near Subiaco, Italy, living as a hermit in a cave for three years; reported to have been fed by a raven. Friend of St Romanus of Subiaco who lived 

    as a nearby hermit; spiritual teacher of St 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 by 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. He had the ability to read consciences, the gift of prophesy, 

    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 is, “Pray and work.” He is now widely acclaimed as "The Father of Western Monasticism". Today the Benedictine family is represented 

    by two branches: the Benedictine Federation and the Cistercians.






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