ST. BENEDICT OF NURSIA (DIED MARCH 21ST)

A Romanesque Icon of St. Benedict of Nursia

Edited by Bp. Joseph 

Blessed Original Feast-day of St. Benedict of Nursia, Great Western Saint, a Father of Monasticism! Famous for establishing western monasticism and the pattern of work and prayer that built many city centers throughout the European wilderness, St. Benedict is hailed as one of the most foundational patrons of Western Christianity, next to St. Paul and St. Gregory the Great! 

VITA

St. Benedict was born in the Italian city of Nursia in the year 480. When he was fourteen years of age, the saint’s parents sent him to Rome to study. Unsettled by the immorality around him, he decided to devote himself to a different sort of life.

At first Saint Benedict settled near the church of the holy Apostle Peter in the village of Effedum, but news of his ascetic life compelled him to go farther into the mountains. There he encountered the hermit Romanus, who tonsured him into monasticism and directed him to live in a remote cave at Subiaco. From time to time, the hermit would bring him food.

For three years the saint waged a harsh struggle with temptations and conquered them. People soon began to gather to him, thirsting to live under his guidance. The number of disciples grew so much, that the saint divided them into twelve communities. Each community was comprised of twelve monks and was a separate skete. The saint gave each skete an igumen from among his experienced disciples, and only the novice monks remained with Saint Benedict for instruction.

The strict monastic Rule Saint Benedict established for the monks was not accepted by everyone, and more than once he was criticized and abused by dissenters.

Finally he settled in Campagna and on Mount Cassino he founded the Monte Cassino monastery, which for a long time was a center of theological education for the Western Church. The monastery possessed a remarkable library. Saint Benedict wrote his Rule, based on the experience of life of the Eastern desert-dwellers and the precepts of Saint John Cassian the Roman (February 29).

The Rule of Saint Benedict dominated Western monasticism for centuries (by the year 1595 it had appeared in more than 100 editions). The Rule prescribed the renunciation of personal possessions, as well as unconditional obedience, and constant work. It was considered the duty of older monks to teach the younger and to copy ancient manuscripts. This helped to preserve many memorable writings from the first centuries of Christianity.

Every new monk was required to live as a novice for a year, to learn the monastic Rule and to become acclimated to monastic life. Every deed required a blessing. The head of this cenobitic monastery is the “Abbot” or “Igumen.” The Abbot solicits the advice of the older, experienced brethren, but he makes the final decisions. Keeping the monastic Rule was strictly binding for everyone and was regarded as an important step on the way to perfection.

Saint Benedict was granted by the Lord the gift of foresight and wonderworking. He healed many by his prayers. The monk foretold the day of his death in 547. The main source for his Life is the second Dialogue of Saint Gregory.

FAMOUS QUOTES

“Idleness is the enemy of the soul, and therefore the brethren ought to be employed in manual labor at certain times, at others, in devout reading.”

“The first degree of humility is prompt obedience.”

“And let them first pray together, that so they may associate in peace.”

ST. BENEDICT'S MEDAL

The front of the medal shows an icon of St. Benedict holding a cross in one hand and the book of his Rule in the other. This image is not original to the exorcism formula that was passed down in the Benedictine Tradition, but is a later addition. Flanking him on each side are the words: “Crux S. Patris Benedicti” (The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict). Below his feet are these words: “Ex S M Casino MDCCCLXXX” (From the Holy Mount of Cassino, 1880). Inscribed in the circle surrounding Benedict are the words: “Ejus in obitu nostro presentia muniamur” (May his presence protect us in the hour of death).

The other side of the medal is where the real strength of exorcism reveals itself. In the center is the Cross. Benedict loved the Cross and used it to drive away demons. The vertical beam of the Cross has five letters: C.S.S.M.L., meaning “Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux” (May the holy Cross be for me a light). The horizontal beam of the Cross also has five letters: N.D.S.M.D., meaning “Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux” (Let not the dragon be my guide). The four large letters at the angles of the Cross: C.S.P.B., stands for “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti” (The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict). Encircling the Cross in a circle around the right margin are these letters: V.R.S.N.S.M.V., meaning “Vade retro Satana; nunquam suade mihi vana” (Begone Satan! Suggest not to me thy vain things). Around the left margin of the circle are these letters: S.M.Q.L.I.V.B., meaning “Sunt mala quae libas; ipse venena bibas” (The drink you offer is evil; drink that poison yourself). At the top of the circle is the word “PAX” (Peace).

HYMN FOR ST. BENEDICT 

By your ascetic labors, God-bearing Benedict,

You were proven to be true to your name.

For you were the son of benediction,

And became a rule and model for all who emulate your life and cry:

"Glory to Him who gave you strength!

Glory to Him who granted you a crown!

Glory to Him who through you grants healing to all!"

You were enriched with God's grace;

Your works agreed with your name,

O Benedict, helpful servant of Christ God.

Through prayer and fasting you were revealed to be filled with the gifts of the Spirit of God!

You are a healer of the sick, the banisher of demons and speedy defender of our souls!

COLLECT

O Eternal God, who didst make thine Abbot Saint Benedict a wise master in the school of thy service, and a guide for many called into the common life to follow the rule of Christ: grant that we may put thy love above all things, and seek with joy the way of thy commandments; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen

Let us all strive to be like St. Benedict - quiet, humble, kind, studious, and hard working in the simple areas of life! May the Lord hear St. Benedict's prayers for us!