#1719 Saint Benedict

Benedict was born around 480 to a Roman aristocrat from Norcia and his sister Scholastica. A nurse/housekeeper was sent to Rome in the fifth century to care for Benedict. Because he feared losing his soul, Benedict departed Rome, gave up his inheritance, and lived with his nurse in a tiny hamlet. Ē God told him to abandon his quiet life and seek greater seclusion. Benedict died in 543, after his sister. God reportedly predicted his death date. Because of this, Europeans and students trust him. St. Benedict is often depicted with a bell, broken plate, raven, or crosier. His death and resurrection are remembered on July 11.