Benedict of Nursia
founder of Christian monasticism, founder of the Benedictine order
Saint Benedict of Nursia was the founder of the Benedictine order. He was born around 480, in Nursia (in Perugia, north of Rome), and died on the 24th of March 547, in Montecassino, about 140 kilometres (87 mi) south of Rome. Around 521, he founded the monastery at Montecassino which became the first Benedictine abbey. He established specific guidelines of conduct, known as the "Rule of Saint Benedict, for the monks.
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He was named patron protector of Europe by Pope Paul VI in 1964.
The Feast day, as stated in the General Roman Calendar, is celebrated on July 11.