Saint Benedict of Nursia
Italian monk Saint Benedict of Nursia, considered the patriarch of western monasticism, founded the Benedictine order circa 529.
The Catholics and the Anglican Church honor this Christian patron of Europe and students.
With 12 communities at Subiaco, forty miles to the east of Rome, he moved to Monte Cassino in the southern mountains. The mere confederation of autonomous congregations, not commonly understood, originated later.
His main achievement, his "Rule of Saint Benedict," contains precepts. The writings of John Cassian heavily influences this book, which shows strong affinity with the Rule of the Master. This unique spirit of balance, moderation, and reasonableness (ἐπιείκεια, epieikeia) persuaded most religious communities, founded throughout the Middle Ages, to adopt it. As a result, his Rule most influences religious rules in Christendom.
“The prophet shows that, for the sake of silence, we are to abstain even from good talk. If this be so, how much more needful is it that we refrain from evil words, on account of the penalty of the sin!”
“The first degree of humility is prompt obedience.”
“He should know that whoever undertakes the government of souls must prepare himself to account for them.”
“The abbot ought ever to bear in mind what he is and what he is called; he ought to know that to whom more is entrusted, from him more is exacted.”
“He should first show them in deeds rather than words all that is good and holy.”
“For at all times we must so serve Him with the good things He has given us, that he may not, as an angry Father, disinherit his children, nor as a dread Lord, provoked by our evil deeds, deliver us to everlasting punishment as wicked servants who refuse to follow Him to glory.”
“Listen and attend with the ear of your heart.”