Saint Benedict of Nursia
Also known as
- Benedict of Narsia
- Benedict of Norsia
- Benedetto da Norcia
- Founder of Western Monasticism
- 11 July (Latin Rite since 1969; translation of relics)
- 21 March (Benedictines; Norway; Monte Cassino)
- 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 lackadasical attitude of his fellow students. 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 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 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. 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: “Pray and work.”
Born
- 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
- 1220 by Pope Honorius III
- against erysipelas
- against fever
- against gall stones
- against inflammation
- against inflammatory diseases
- against kidney disease
- against nettle rash
- against pain
- against poison
- against temptations
- against witchcraft
- architects (traditional; proclaimed for Italian architects by Pope Pius XII on 19 November 1957)
- dying people
- cavers
- monks
- people in religious orders
- school children
- servants who have broken their master’s belongings
- speliologists
- spelunkers
- students
- agricultural workers
- civil engineers (traditional; proclaimed for Italian engineers by Pope Pius XII on 19 November 1957)
- coppersmiths
- farm workers
- Italian architects (proclaimed on 19 November 1957 by Pope Pius XII)
- Italian farmers (proclaimed on 12 July 1959 by Pope John XXIII)
- Italian peasants (proclaimed on 12 July 1961 by Pope John XXIII)
- National Federation of Knights of Labor (proclaimed on 21 March 1962 by Pope John XXIII)
- Europe (proclaimed on 24 October 1964 by Pope Paul VI)
- in Italy
- Heerdt, Germany
- Bragança-Miranda, Portugal, diocese of
- Benedictines
- Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest
- Olivetans
- Society of the Sacred Heart
- 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 fervor, a bitter spirit, which divides us from God and leads us to hell, so there is a good fervor 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
MLA Citation
- “Saint Benedict of Nursia“. CatholicSaints.Info. 6 April 2024. Web. 19 April 2024. <>