Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547 AD) is one of the most influential figures in Christian history, best known as the founder of Western monasticism and the author of the Rule of Saint Benedict, a spiritual guide that continues to shape religious life today. He was a strong and influential leader, helping those around him become closer to God. He was also a man of great faith, and lived out his faith through his strict life as a monk. He has inspired millions to become monks, and is very important to monasticism as we know it today.

Saint Benedict has a twin sister who is also a Saint, Saint Scholastica. They would often meet with each other throughout their entire life, and help inspire each other.

Life and Legacy

Born in Nursia (modern-day Norcia, Italy), Benedict came from a noble Roman family and received a classical education. Disturbed by the corruption and immorality of Roman society, he left the city in search of a purer way of life. He lived as a hermit in a cave in Subiaco for several years, devoting himself to prayer, silence, and asceticism. His holiness soon attracted followers.

At one point, he was tempted by the Devil by making him imagine a beautiful and tempting woman. Benedict rolled his body into a thorn bush which covered his body in scrapes to force himself to resist the temptation.

Some followers asked for him to lead them as monks. Benedict warned that his rules would be too strict for them, but they didn’t listen. Eventually they resented him and his discipline, and tried to poison him. They gave him a poisoned cup, but after Saint Benedict prayed over the cup and made the sign of the cross, the cup shattered, saving him.

Benedict eventually founded a monastery at Monte Cassino around 529 AD, which became a center of learning, faith, and hospitality. It was here that he wrote his Rule, a balanced and deeply spiritual set of guidelines for monastic life, emphasizing prayer, work (ora et labora), humility, obedience, and community living. Monte Cassino became a large community of believers, and served as the roots for monasticism. The Benedictine Rule is still very popular and served as the base for not just Western Monasticism, but Christianity as a whole. His Order of Saint Benedict, or the Benedictines, is one of the oldest religious orders in Catholicism.

The Rule of Saint Benedict (Regula Benedicti) is a book of 73 short chapters that outline how monks should live together in a monastery. Unlike harsh earlier rules, Benedict’s Rule is balanced, compassionate, and deeply focused on humility and love. Monks were meant to fill their day with prayer, like the liturgy of the hours, and work, like manual labor and helping the poor. Monks were to obey their abbot, which was like their leader. The Rule also called for monks to stay in one monastery for life, to help foster deep roots in the community.

The monks at Monte Cassino charred everything with each other, and were called to care for each other with deep respect. Monks were to be humble and live modestly, without gossip or complaining.

Special Gifts and Miracles

Benedict was known for profound spiritual insight and numerous miraculous powers. According to his biographer, Pope Saint Gregory the Great, Benedict performed many miracles, such as:

• Prophecy: He predicted the destruction of Monte Cassino and the fall of Rome.
  
  

• Exorcisms: He drove demons from individuals and places.
  
  

• Multiplying food: Similar to Jesus' miracle, he once multiplied bread to feed a crowd.
  
  

• Healing: He cured the sick and brought spiritual peace to the tormented.
  
  

• Protection from poison: When a group of monks tried to kill him with poisoned wine, the cup shattered as he blessed it.

• Multiplying Oil: A beggar was asking for some oil, but the monks only had a little bit left in a jar, and couldn't afford to give any away. Saint Benedict prayed over the jar, and it began to overflow with oil, showing that God will provide what the Church needs
  
  

Importance in the Church

Saint Benedict’s greatest contribution was the creation of a monastic system that balanced spiritual devotion with practical community life. His Rule became the foundation for thousands of monasteries across Europe and played a key role in preserving Christianity, culture, and education throughout the Dark Ages. Benedictine monasteries helped rebuild civilization after the fall of Rome by preserving classical texts, cultivating agriculture, and offering education.

Death and Sainthood

He is the founder of one of the oldest religious orders in the Catholic Church, the Benedictines. Saint Benedict is also known for the Saint Benedict cross, a popular cross and medal that offers spiritual protection.

Benedict died around 547 AD, standing in prayer after receiving the Eucharist, with his arms raised to heaven. He was buried beside his twin sister, Saint Scholastica, who also founded a religious order. He was later declared a saint and, in 1964, Pope Paul VI named him the Patron of Europe, recognizing his profound impact on Western civilization.