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Also known as
Benedict of Narsia; Benedict of Norsia; Benedict of Nursia; Founder of
Western Monasticism
Memorial
11 July; formerly 21 March
Profile
Roman nobility. Twin brother of Saint Scholastica. Studied in Rome, but
was dismayed by the lack of discipline and the lackadaisical attitude of
his fellow students. Fled to the mountains near Subiaco, living as a
hermit in a cave for three years; reported to have been fed by a raven.
His 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,
prophesy, and 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 in
the same tomb as Scholastica
Name Meaning
blessed (= benedict)
Patronage
against nettle rash, against poison, against witchcraft, agricultural
workers. coppersmiths, dying people, erysipelas, Europe, farm workers.
farmers. fever, gall stones, inflammatory diseases, Italian architects,
kidney disease, monks, nettle rash, Norcia, Italy, people in religious
orders, poison, schoolchildren, servants who have broken their master's
belongings, speleologists, temptations, witchcraft
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
With jubilation of the voice, O chant ye of our Father Benedict: The mouth
of the righteous shall meditate wisdom. For wisdom hath built up a throne
for herself in the bosom of the righteous man. And his tongue shall speak
of judgment, seeing the Logos-teaching Pneumatos bedeweth the hidden
places of his heart; for the law of his God is in his heart.
Ps 36:33,34, trope "In jubilo" from the complete Old Sarum Rite Missal,
Saint Hilarion Press, copyright 1998
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