MEMORIAL: JULY 11
St. Benedict was born at the end of the 5th century in Italy to a wealthy family. After spending time in Rome studying, Benedict moved to Subiaco to become a hermit. However, many came seeking his tutelage, and they started to form smaller communities in the mountains. Finally, St. Benedict brought a community together to live under a rule that he established. Under the simple motto of “Ora et Labora” (work and prayer), the monks of St. Benedict based their lives on studying and praying the scriptures (especially the Psalms) and doing labor for the community.
Because of his community, St. Benedict is known as the father of modern-day monasticism and miracles attributed to his name. St. Benedict is known as the patron saint of Europe and students.