St Benedict

St Benedict (c. 480 — c. 550) was an Italian hermit, the founder of Western monachism. He was born near Spoleto, left home at 14, and passed three years as a hermit, in a cavern near Subiaco, to prepare himself for God's service. He attracted many to his retreat. He was appointed to an abbey, but left it. He founded 12 monasteries of his own including the most famous monastery at Monte Cassino. Though possessed of no scholarship, he composed his "Regula Monachorum," which formed the rule of his order, known as the 'Rule of St Benedict'. It formed the basis of Western monasticism. He is represented in art as accompanied by a raven with sometimes a loaf in his bill, or surrounded by thorns or by howling demons. Feast day, July 11 (formerly March 21).