St. Benedict
Born: c.480
Died: March 21, 547
Canonized: 1220 by Pope Honorius III
Feast Day: July 11
Patron Saint of: kidney disease, poison sufferers, students
Benedict was born of Roman nobility, the twin brother of Saint Scholastica. He studied in Rome, but was quickly frustrated with the lack of discipline on the part of the other students. He moved to a cave near Subiaco, a hermit for three years. He later founded the monastery in Monte Cassino; it was there that he produced the Rule of the Benedictine Order, which was to become the basis of rule for all western monasteries. He was often despised by fellow monks. It was reported that an attempt was made on his life by poisoning, but he blessed the cup and removed the poison. He later returned to his cave, regardless, he continued to establish some 12 monasteries, each consisting of 12 monks that were drawn to his monastic rule.
