The Solemnity of Saint Benedict – March 21

This day is the commemoration of the death of St. Benedict of Nurcia.  Summarized in a thimble St. Benedict is considered the Father of Western Monasticism and he is the author of the Holy Rule.  The Rule is a guide to monastic living followed by the Benedictine orders of men and women.

St. Benedict (c. 480-547) was born in Nurcia, Italy.  The times were dangerous and countries in turmoil after the end of the Western Empire. His family was well off and his father sent him to Rome to study.  Disgusted by the corruption and immorality there, he eventually headed out to live by himself as a hermit in a hillside cave outside Subiaco.  In the three years he was there he became known to the locals for his piety and good sense.  He gained followers of his wisdom and lifestyle and in time he founded the Subiaco Abbey now known as St. Scholastica’s Abbey, named after St. Benedict’s sister who was also a monastic.

There he formed another community where he remained until his death.  The Rule covers many topics, such as the joy of worship and the appropriateness of work. The Holy Rule speaks about the duties of leadership; eagerness to pray; hospitality; service; and how to treat the elderly with respect, the sick with gentleness, and the young with understanding and firmness. It discusses in detail the definition and importance of humility.

 The Rule was and is followed by many orders of monks and nuns. Today, the Rule of St. Benedict is read, studied, and used by laypeople as well as religious, Catholics, and  non-Catholics as a guide to balanced and spiritual living based on Christ and the Holy Gospel.  The Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery are a Benedictine order.

See our Oblates page.  Also check out the Holy Rule online.