(circa 480-547)

Patron of Europe, in ammatory disease, students, and those in religious orders

Benedict, of privileged Roman birth, converted to Christianity as a young man. He renounced a life of leisure and pleasure for one of piety as a servant of God. His quiet life as a hermit in a cave attracted many who wanted to learn more about his disciplined ways. He founded the Benedictine Monasteries and the Benedictine Rule for a simple, balanced life of prayer, work, study, hospitality and renewal.