Saint
Benedict,
born
around
480
in Nursia
(Italy),
is
considered
the
father
of
Western
monasticism.
After
studying
in
Rome,
he
chose
to
live
as
a
hermit
in
a
cave
in
Subiaco.
He
then
founded
several
monasteries,
including
the
famous
monastery
of
Monte
Cassino
around
529.
He
wrote
the
"Rule
of
Saint
Benedict",
a
major
text
defining
the
organization
of
monastic
life,
based
on
prayer,
work
("Ora
et
labora"),
and
community
life.
This
rule
profoundly
influenced
monasticism
in
the
West.
Renowned
for
his
wisdom,
Benedict
performed
various
miracles
according
to
tradition.
He
died
in
547
at
Monte
Cassino.
His
liturgical
feast
is
celebrated
on
July
11.
