July 11th - St. Benedict By: Elizabeth Issac

Saint Benedict was born in Norcia at around 480 CE. After attending primary schools in Norcia, Benedict went to Rome to gain more knowledge in literature and law. But, after being disgusted by the behaviors of his peers, he traveled to Affile with his old nurse. At Affile, he performed his first miracle, but soon went into isolation in a cave near the ruins of Nero’s village to avoid the fame he received from the miracle. He stayed in the cave for 3 years. Benedict, after resisting the temptation against chastity, founded 13 monasteries. Benedict’s fame spread so rapidly in Rome, that two men had offered their 2 sons, Maurus and Placidus to him. During his life, Saint Benedict performed many miracles. He found water on a desolate mountaintop to quench the thirst of his monks. In addition, he made Maurus walk on water to save Placidus from drowning. Shortly before he died, Saint Benedict saw the soul of his sister Saint Scholastica rising to heaven in the form of a dove. He foresaw his coming death and six days before dying, he had the grave of his sister opened so he could share the grave with her. Completely exhausted, after he received his last Holy Communion, died on March 21, 547 CE, whilst being supported by his monks. Saint Benedict is the patron against poison and witchcraft, and of Norcia, Europe, monks, fever, etc. 

INTERCESSORY PRAYER 
God, through the intercession of Saint Benedict, please help us lead a life of chastity and penance. Amen