Today (11), we celebrate the day of St. Benedict. The saint is the patron saint of all of Europe, mainly Germany. Considered the father of monks, Benedict is, in fact, one of the most important figures of the Catholic Church. His fame as a miracle worker expanded after his death, thus leading to his canonization in 1220. Furthermore, his importance to the […]
Today (11), we celebrate the Day of San Bento. The saint is the patron saint of all of Europe, mainly Germany. Considered the father of monks, Benedict is, in fact, one of the most important figures of the Catholic Church. His fame as a miracle worker expanded after his death, thus leading to his canonization in 1220. Moreover, his importance to Catholicism is still strong today: from his monasteries have come 23 popes, 5,000 bishops and 3,000 saints. He learn more about the history and prayer of Santo Bento.
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San Bento
Benedict was born in the city of Nursia, Italy in the year 480. Therefore, scholars attribute the date of his birth to March 24th. The future saint belonged to the noble section of society and decided to study philosophy and, above all, rhetoric. However, it was during his studies of him that he decided to become a hermit.
Indeed it is in his experience as a hermit that Bento receives the call and becomes a spiritual adviser. So, from that period, he dedicated his career to faith. He was called to be abbot of a monastery and then founded the Benedictine Order, thus creating countless monasteries in the old continent.
Monasteries of Sao Bento
Initially the monasteries, abbeys and convents were located in remote places. Cities then emerged around these religious buildings. Thus, it is with Bento’s work that the institutions gain new momentum and become a new lifestyle for the inhabitants of these cities.
Then, in 529, Benedict was the founder of the abbey of the Benedictine Order, where the so-called Rule of St. Benedict was established. In principle, it has three main points: poverty, obedience and chastity. In fact, this calling has been adopted by almost all religious orders. Furthermore, Benedict was also the founder of the abbey of Monte Cassino, in Italy, where he died on July 11, 547.
Saint Benedict Medal
The São Bento medal is the most popular symbol of this saint’s faith. In 1742 the medal was approved by Pope Benedict XIV. On the front of the medal is depicted the image of Saint Benedict holding a cross. Already on the back there is the image of the empty cross and a series of letters that were sayings in Latin. Its symbolism is to scare away demons. The first medals were made in the Montecassino Monastery. The sign of the cross for the Father of monks was the sign of victory over evil and death.
Poisoned chalice and bread
His sanctity of life has made Bento make some enemies throughout his career. Twice he was the subject of attempted poisoning. The first attempt was with bread and the second with a glass of wine. However, Bento always blessed the food, thus avoiding his death. The bread was eaten by a crow and a snake came out of the cup.
Prayer of St. Benedict
“O glorious Patriarch Saint Benedict, who always showed mercy to the needy, grant that we too, having recourse to your powerful intercession, can obtain help in all our afflictions. May peace and tranquility reign in families, all misfortunes, both of the body and spiritual, especially sin. Obtain from the Lord the grace that we implore you, finally obtaining that, when our gaze ends, in this valley of tears, we can praise God”.
Prayer for the medal of Saint Benedict
“The Holy Cross be my light, don’t let the dragon be my guide. Withdraw, Satan! Never advise me in vain things. What you offer me is bad. Drink your poisons yourself!”
“O God, who hast deigned to pour upon the blessed confessor, Patriarch, the spirit of all the just, grant us, your servants and handmaids, the grace to put on the same spirit, so that we may, with your help, faithfully fulfill what we promised. For Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
