Quick Facts:
Born: c. 480 CE Nursia, Italy; Died: c. 547 CE, Monte Cassino, Italy
Best known as: the Father of Western Monasticism and the founder of the Benedictine Order of Catholic monks
Published works: The Rule of St. Benedict
Motto: Ut in omnibus glorificatur Deus, (That in all things God may be glorified) and ora et labora, (prayer and work)
St. Benedict of Nursia
What we know of St. Benedict's life comes from book 2 of St. Gregory the Great's Dialogues. What we know of St. Benedict's character comes from his only published work, the Rule of St. Benedict. As a young man, St. Benedict saw no value in the hedonistic Roman lifestyle and retreated to a cave near Subiaco. His attempt at life as a lonely hermit was ultimately unsuccessful as his piety attracted followers. He came to realize that aceticism was not the best path to unity with God. People need community and a balanced lifestyle to be able to devote equal time to prayer, work, others, and self. The communities he founded follow his Rule, which outlines how to live a life of balance. In all things God is glorified; in work as much as prayer.
This first line of the Rule of St. Benedict was the inspiration for this painting of young Benedict.
The St. Benedict medal is loved and worn by many. Often people find it comforting in times of fear or distress.
Not always popular
Among the many stories recounted in St. Gregory's Dialogues, there are two that stand out as particularly sensational. Though he promoted balance and charity, Benedict was a stern father to his monks. Some began to resent his strictness, and tried to poison him with bread. Suddenly, a raven swooped from the sky and plucked the bread from Benedict's hand, saving him. On a different occasion his monks tried to poison him again with wine. As Benedict said the blessing over the meal, his chalice shattered. Once again, the end of his life would not be decided by any human! St. Benedict is often pictured with a raven, bread, and a broken chalice as symbols of these events. You can find them on the St. Benedict medal, pictured above.
Bronze statue of St. Benedict at Monte Cassino Abbey
commitment to the daily life of this place, its heritage and tradition
Stability is a very important part of Benedictine life - in fact, Benedictine monks and nuns take a vow of stability, promising to be a part of one certain place for their lives. For our University, this means committing ourselves to the ups and downs of this community and finding solutions with what and who we have. Stability takes gratefulness, humility, and generosity to practice. How have you seen the hallmark of stability expressed on our campus? How can you practice this hallmark?