Christian Men and Women

Saint Benedict

Benedict was born to a very wealthy family in Rome in 489. From a very early age Benedict wanted to live a good and holy life and many of his friends laughed at him. Benedict was so fed up with this that he ran away and lived in the mountains far away from Rome. Benedict also wanted to distance himself from the wickedness of the city.

For three years he lived in a cave on the side of a cliff. Often a raven brought him food to eat. Soon many people heard about Benedict and his simple way of life. Many young men wanted to live a simple life as Benedict was and they travelled far and asked him if they could stay with him.

Soon there were as many as 140 men there and this was the beginning of the Benedictine Order. They built a house and stayed there praying, planting crops, feeding the poor and teaching youngsters. Benedict’s motto (a motto is a short saying) was “Pray and work”.

Benedict had many virtues some being Prudence, Restraint (Temperance), Faith and Hope.