He returned to his cave, but again disciples flocked to him, and he founded 12 monasteries, each with 12 monks, with himself in general control of all. In the course of time this discretion has occasionally been abused in the defense of comfort and self-indulgence, but readers of the Rule can hardly fail to note the call to a full and exact observance of the counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Medals then began to be struck in Germany, which then spread throughout Europe. According to Gregory’s Dialogues Benedict was born in Nursia, a village high in the mountains northeast of Rome. Benedict had begun his monastic life as a hermit, but he had come to see the difficulties and spiritual dangers of a solitary life, even though he continued to regard it as the crown of the monastic life for a mature and experienced spirit. According to St. Benedict’s most ancient biographer, Pope St. Gregory the Great, Benedict was born with his twin sister, Scholastica, to a Roman nobleman in Norcia. His parents sent him to Rome for classical studies but he found the life of the eternal city too degenerate for his tastes. The fresco of St Benedict of Nursia writing his rules for monastic life can be found within the cell that bears his name in Monte Abbey of St Scholastica, Subiaco. In 1647, during a witchcraft trial at Natternberg near Metten Abbey in Bavaria, the accused women testified they had no power over Metten, which was under the protection of the cross. Benedict was sent to Rome to study, but was disappointed by the life he found there. The Rule of Saint Benedict also introduced an idea which was not pervasive at the time, but which has come to be seen as one of the defining characteristics of the monk’s life: sexual abstinence. There, in Subiaco, he lived as a hermit in acave, receiving food from a neighboring monk who lowered bread to him over a cliff. Yet, even if this be so, the Rule that imposed itself all over Europe by virtue of its excellence alone was not the long, rambling, and often idiosyncratic “Rule of the Master.” It was the Rule of St. Benedict, derived from various and disparate sources, that provided for the monastic way of life a directory, at once practical and spiritual, that continued in force after 1,500 years. FAMILY BACKGROUND Young Ben was born into a distinguished Christian family who loved each other tenderly. Other rules introduced were the expectation to remain within the monastery … Benedict was born of good family and was sent by his parents to Roman schools. [28][29], Saint Benedict and the cup of poison (Melk Abbey, Austria), Small gold-coloured Saint Benedict crucifix, Portrait (1926) by Herman Nieg (1849–1928); Heiligenkreuz Abbey, Austria, St. Benedict at the Death of St. Scholastica (c. 1250–60), Musée National de l'Age Médiévale, Paris, orig. The initials CSPB stand for "Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti" ("The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict") and are located on the interior angles of the cross. The name Benedict means “the blessed” and it was picked to honor both Pope Benedict XV and Saint Benedict of Nursia. Staint Benedict of Nursia lived in the sixth century and was a hermit and a recluse, yet he drew flocks of admiring monkish followers. Because on that date his liturgical memorial would always be impeded by the observance of Lent, the 1969 revision of the General Roman Calendar moved his memorial to 11 July, the date that appears in some Gallic liturgical books of the end of the 8th century as the feast commemorating his birth (Natalis S. Benedicti). St. Benedict of Nursia NAME Saint Benedict. A tradition which Bede accepts makes him a twin with his sister Scholastica. Thus he left the group and went back to his cave at Subiaco. A few disciples followed Benedict south, where he settled on the summit of a hill rising steeply above Cassino, halfway between Rome and Naples. Romanus had discussed with Benedict the purpose which had brought him to Subiaco, and had given him the monk's habit. In 1964, in view of the work of monks following the Benedictine Rule in the evangelization and civilization of so many European countries in the Middle Ages, Pope Paul VI proclaimed him the patron saint of all Europe. This balance of prayer, work, and study is another of Benedict’s legacies. [26] To this day, The Rule of St. Benedict is the most common and influential Rule used by monasteries and monks, more than 1,400 years after its writing. Dressed in wild animal skins, Benedict fought the wars of the soul. An investigation found a number of painted crosses on the walls of the abbey with the letters now found on St Benedict medals, but their meaning had been forgotten. Though Gregory’s work includes many signs and wonders, his outline of Benedict’s life may be accepted as historical. Saint Benedict was born at Norcia around 480 AD. On his way from Enfide, Benedict met a monk, Romanus of Subiaco, whose monastery was on the mountain above the cliff overhanging the cave. All work was directed to making the monastery self-sufficient and self-contained; intellectual, literary, and artistic pursuits were not envisaged, but the presence of boys to be educated and the current needs of the monastery for service books, Bibles, and the writings of the Church Fathers implied much time spent in teaching and in copying manuscripts. The Order of Saint Benedict is of later origin and, moreover, not an "order" as commonly understood but merely a confederation of autonomous congregations. Benedict was a devout Italian Christian who became a monk at the age of 20, wishing to withdraw from the world after he visited Rome and was shocked by how immoral life in the Holy City had become. The Anglican Communion has no single universal calendar, but a provincial calendar of saints is published in each province. A short distance from Enfide is the entrance to a narrow, gloomy valley, penetrating the mountains and leading directly to Subiaco. The, "Orthodox Church in America: The Lives of the Saints, March 14th", Stracke, Prof. J.R., "St. Benedict – Iconography", Augusta State University, Foley O.F.M., Leonard, rev. Benedictine abbey on the Sarthe River at Solesmes, France. His monks are allowed clothes suited to the climate, sufficient food (with no specified fasting apart from the times observed by the Roman church), and sufficient sleep (7 1/2–8 hours). He gives no dates, however. More than half of the chapters describe how to be obedient and humble, and what to do when a member of the community is not. In modern Roman Catholic cloisters, monks are, except for the serving brothers (, …Monte Cassino in 529 by Benedict of Nursia (. Benedict of Nursia, founder of the great order which bears his name. When the fame of his sanctity spread, Benedict was persuaded to become abbot of one of these monasteries. Benedict was born around 480, from a noble Roman family in Nursia (Norcia, 110 km NNE of Rome), in UmbriaB 1, C 1. Kardong, Terrence, OSB. [16] In 1980, Pope John Paul II declared him co-patron of Europe, together with Cyril and Methodius. Eventually Benedict’s plan for an ideal abbey was circulated to religious orders throughout Europe, and abbeys were generally built in accord with it in subsequent centuries. He wrote a set of precepts for the faithful, who decided to separate from the secular vanity and become monks, named the Rule of Saint Benedict. The earthquake of 30 October 2016 completely devastated the structure of the basilica, leaving only the front facade and altar standing. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. st. benedict of nursia stock illustrations Saint Benedict Medals Set variable colors Christian symbol. Take advantage of our Presidents' Day bonus! All we know of his father was that he was a Roman Noble. Though absolute certainty has not yet been reached, a majority of competent scholars favour the earlier composition of the “Rule of the Master.” If this is accepted, about one-third of Benedict’s Rule (if the formal liturgical chapters are excluded) is derived from the Master. Heavily influenced by the writings of John Cassian, it shows strong affinity with the Rule of the Master, but it also has a unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness (ἐπιείκεια, epieíkeia), which persuaded most Christian religious communities founded throughout the Middle Ages to adopt it. [6], Apart from a short poem attributed to Mark of Monte Cassino,[7] the only ancient account of Benedict is found in the second volume of Pope Gregory I's four-book Dialogues, thought to have been written in 593,[8] although the authenticity of this work has been disputed. Immediately Benedict detected the impersonation, and Totila came to pay him due respect. ), member of any of the confederated congregations of monks, lay brothers, and nuns who follow the rule of life of St. Benedict (c. 480– c. 547) and who are spiritual descendants of the traditional monastics of the early medieval centuries in … The district was still largely pagan, but the people were converted by his preaching. He founded and was the first abbot of the monastic community of Monte Cassino, where he wrote the Rule, acknowledged as a masterpiece. [3] He is a patron saint of Europe. His Rule is concerned with a life spent wholly in community, and among his contributions to the practices of the monastic life none is more important than his establishment of a full year’s probation, followed by a solemn vow of obedience to the Rule as mediated by the abbot of the monastery to which the monk vowed a lifelong residence. Biographical certainties are sketchy concerning St. Benedict. By his advice Benedict became a hermit and for three years, unknown to men, lived in this cave above the lake. His reforming zeal was resisted, however, and an attempt was made to poison him. On the scroll and staff were written the full words of the initials contained on the crosses. The working day is divided into three roughly equal portions: five to six hours of liturgical and other prayer; five hours of manual work, whether domestic work, craft work, garden work, or fieldwork; and four hours reading of the Scriptures and spiritual writings. "St. Benedict of Norcia." WikiZero Özgür Ansiklopedi - Wikipedia Okumanın En Kolay Yolu . "The Humanism of Benedict of Nursia." The Benedictine Rule is strict—its main theme being absolute obedience to the Abbot. He was the son of a Roman noble of Nursia,[8] the modern Norcia, in Umbria. When he prayed a blessing over the bread, a raven swept in and took the loaf away. He now speaks of Benedict no longer as a youth (puer), but as a man (vir) of God. Cassell. Benedict of Nursia (modern-day Norcia) is regarded as a Christian patron saint of Europe (proclaimed by Pope Paul VI) and the father of Western monasticism. This medal was first approved by Pope Benedict XIV in his briefs of 23 December 1741 and 12 March 1742.[23]. The other side of the medal has a cross with the initials CSSML on the vertical bar which signify "Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux" ("May the Holy Cross be my light") and on the horizontal bar are the initials NDSMD which stand for "Non-Draco Sit Mihi Dux" ("Let not the dragon be my guide"). Gregory did not set out to write a chronological, historically anchored story of Benedict, but he did base his anecdotes on direct testimony. Among the elements outlined by Benedict were that work and prayer would undertaken under the leadership of an abbott deserving of utter obedience. p.953, Benedict XVI, "Saint Benedict of Norcia" Homily given to a general audience at, Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, Austria 50 euro 'The Christian Religious Orders', Austria 50 euro 'The Christian Religious Orders' commemorative coin, "Saint Benedict | Biography, Rule, & Facts", http://www.ampleforthjournal.org/V_027.pdf, Ford, Hugh. Benedict thus served as a link between the monasticism of the East and the new age that was dawning. [5], Benedict's main achievement, his "Rule of Saint Benedict", contains a set of rules for his monks to follow. In 546 Rome was sacked and emptied of inhabitants by the Gothic king Totila, and, when the attempt of Emperor Justinian I to reconquer and hold Italy failed, the papacy filled the administrative vacuum and shortly thereafter became the sovereign power of a small Italian dominion virtually independent of the Eastern Empire. Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, near Orléans, France, Benedict of Nursia (Latin: Benedictus Nursiae; Italian: Benedetto da Norcia; Vulgar Latin: *Benedectos; Gothic: Benedikt; c. 2 March 480 – c. 21 March 547 AD) is a Christian saint venerated in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Communion and Old Catholic Churches. The cave has a large triangular-shaped opening and is about ten feet deep. The graceful statue of St Scholastica in the courtyard of the abbey that bears her name in Subiaco, Italy. Benedict’s discretion is manifested in his repeated allowances for differences of treatment according to age, capabilities, dispositions, needs, and spiritual stature; beyond this is the striking humanity of his frank allowance for weaknesses and failure, of his compassion for the physically weak, and of his mingling of spiritual with purely practical counsel. "Saint Benedict" redirects here. He is bound only by the law of God and the Rule, but he is continually advised that he must answer for his monks, as well as for himself, at the judgment seat of God. To avoid further temptations, in about 530 Benedict left Subiaco. Still, no contemporary painted his portrait and we have no specific description of his features. His life spanned the decades in which the decayed imperial city became the Rome of the medieval papacy. Benedict’s character, as Gregory points out, must be discovered from his Rule, and the impression given there is of a wise and mature sanctity, authoritative but fatherly, and firm but loving. Benedict lived in the era shortly after the fall of Rome, a time when Rome was full of corruption and low morals. The Rule comprises seventy-three short chapters. …8th century was that of Benedict of Nursia (, …shaped by the rule of Benedict of Nursia, has been characterized by two distinct developments. He is known as the “father of Western monasticism,” having established a Rule that would become the norm for innumerable Christian monks and nuns. He prayed a blessing over the cup and the cup shattered. He is the patron saint of Europe. A manuscript written in 1415 was eventually found that had a picture of Benedict holding a scroll in one hand and a staff which ended in a cross in the other. If 480 is accepted as the year of his birth, the year of his abandonment of his studies and leaving home would be about 500. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Benedict-of-Nursia, The Catholic Encyclopedia - Biography of St. Benedict of Nursia, Saint Benedict Church - A Life of Saint Benedict, Benedict of Nursia - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). He does not seem to have left Rome for the purpose of becoming a hermit, but only to find some place away from the life of the great city. [4], Benedict founded twelve communities for monks at Subiaco, Lazio, Italy (about 65 kilometres (40 mi) to the east of Rome), before moving to Monte Cassino in the mountains of southern Italy. Omissions? The only authentic life of Saint Benedict is that which is contained in the second book of the Pope Saint Gregory’s Dialogues, probably written between 593-594 AD. Today the Benedictine family is represented by two branches: the Benedictine Federation and the Cistercians. Please select which sections you would like to print: While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The only certain date in Benedict’s life is given by a visit from the Gothic king Totila about 542. During World War I, Pope Benedict XV was pope and worked diligently for peace. The year was 480. From this time his miracles seem to have become frequent, and many people, attracted by his sanctity and character, came to Subiaco to be under his guidance. The ordering of the offices for the canonical hours (daily services) is laid down with precision. Romanus, Gregory tells us, served Benedict in every way he could. During this anarchic time appeared one of the noblest of the Fathers of the Western Church—St. Benedict’s advice to the abbot and to the cellarer, and his instructions on humility, silence, and obedience have become part of the spiritual treasury of the church, from which not only monastic bodies but also legislators of various institutions have drawn inspiration. Patricians and senators of Rome offered their sons to become monks under his care, and from these novices came two of his best-known disciples, Maurus and Placid. St. Augustine & St. Benedict This NEW installment in the best-selling Pivotal Players series focuses on two incredible saints from the fourth and fifth centuries: St. Augustine of Hippo and St. Benedict of Nursia . [20], The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Benedict on 14 March.[21]. St. Benedict, in full Saint Benedict of Nursia, Nursia also spelled Norcia, (born c. 480 ce, Nursia [Italy]—died c. 547, Monte Cassino; feast day July 11, formerly March 21), founder of the Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino and father of Western monasticism; the Rule that he established became the norm for monastic living throughout Europe. The legend goes that they first tried to poison his drink. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Benedict was from a wealthy and established family. Saint Benedict of Nursia (†547 AD) is a Christian saint venerated in the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. Benedict of Nursia, founder of the great order which bears his name. [25], Benedict contributed more than anyone else to the rise of monasticism in the West. St. Benedict’s supreme achievement was to provide a succinct and complete directory for the government and the spiritual and material well-being of a monastery. Updates? "[24] In April 2008, Pope Benedict XVI discussed the influence St Benedict had on Western Europe. [13] He founded 12 monasteries in the vicinity of Subiaco, and, eventually, in 530 he founded the great Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino,[4] which lies on a hilltop between Rome and Naples. His Rule carefully integrated prayer, manual labor, and study into a well-rounded daily routine that has shaped Christianity for nearly 1,500 years. Disgusted by the state of the city, Benedict set up monasteries where monks could follow in his lifestyle of prayer and fasting. St. Benedict is believed to have been born around 480, as the son to a Roman noble of Norcia and the twin to his sister, Scholastica. About one-fourth regulate the work of God (the "opus Dei"). WHAT FAMOUS FOR Pioneer of Western monasteries. [23], This medal was first struck in 1880 to commemorate the fourteenth centenary of Benedict's birth and is also called the Jubilee Medal; its exact origin, however, is unknown. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Download (right click & choose “Save Link As”). That historical time frame, a mere four years before the Western Roman Empire formally fell by the deposition of the last Emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was quite difficult. Benedict of Nursia’s Monastic Reform History Essay Example MONASTICISM IN THE MIDDLE AGES The impact Benedict of Nursia had on the monastic tradition of Western Europe is difficult to estimate.