Father of Western monasticism, he decided to abandon Rome and the world to escape the licentious life of that city. He lived as a hermit for many years in a rugged and rocky region of Italy. In Vicovaro, Tivoli, and Subiaco, there was at that time a community of monks residing on the summit of a cliff overlooking the Anio, whose abbot had died. They decided to ask Saint Benedict to take his place. At first, he refused, but later he yielded to their insistence.
It soon became clear that the strict notions of monastic discipline that Saint Benedict adhered to did not align with them, as he wanted everyone to live in cells carved out of the rocks. That same day, he returned to Subiaco, not to continue living a life of retreat, but with the purpose of commencing the great work for which God had prepared him during those three years of hidden life. Disciples began to gather around him, drawn by his holiness and miraculous powers.
Saint Benedict then found himself in a position to begin that great plan of “gathering in that place many different families of holy monks scattered across various monasteries and regions, to make them one flock according to his own heart, to unite them in a house of God under a regular observance and in constant praise of the name of God.” Therefore, he placed all those who wished to obey him in 12 wooden monasteries, each with its own prior. He maintained supreme direction over all and lived with a few chosen ones whom he wished to train with particular care.
Due to some issues with the priest Florentius, he moved to Monte Cassino. In this region, on the ruins of the temple of Apollo—worshipped by the inhabitants of the area before his arrival—he built two chapels and the Abbey of Monte Cassino around the year 530. From here, the influence that would play such an important role in the Christianisation and civilisation of post-Roman Europe began. It was perhaps during this time that he began to formulate his “Rule,” which is directed at all those who, renouncing their own will, take upon themselves “the strong and bright armour of obedience to fight under the banners of Christ, our true King.” It prescribes a life of liturgical prayer, study, and socially conducted work, in a community with a common father.
Saint Benedict predicted the day of his death; on his last day he received the Body and Blood of the Lord. He was buried alongside Saint Scholastica, his sister, at the site where the altar of Apollo that he himself destroyed once stood, in Monte Cassino.
Prayer to Saint Benedict for his intercession
Most holy confessor of the Lord; Father and leader of the monks, intercede for our holiness, for our health of soul, body, and mind.
Cast away from our lives and our home the snares of the evil spirit. Deliver us from deadly heresies, slander, and witchcraft.
Ask the Lord to remedy our spiritual and physical needs. Also, pray for the advancement of the holy Catholic Church; and that my soul may not die in mortal sin, so that with confidence in Your powerful intercession, I may one day in heaven sing eternal praises. Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I love you, save lives, nations, and souls.
Pray three Our Fathers, Hail Marys, and Glories.
