Saint Benedict (c. 480–547) was born in Nursia, Italy, and after living as a hermit at Subiaco, founded the great monastery of Monte Cassino. There he wrote his Rule for monks, a balanced way of prayer and work that became the foundation of Western monasticism. He is honored as the father of Western monasticism and a patron of Europe.
Benedict shows us that a life ordered around prayer, work, and community becomes a steady light for others, even in troubled times. His motto, 'ora et labora' — pray and work — teaches that holiness is found in faithfulness to small, daily things done with love. He reminds us to seek peace and to prefer nothing whatever to Christ.
Saint Benedict, teacher of prayer and peace, help us to order our days around God and to prefer nothing to the love of Christ. Watch over our family and all we hold dear. Amen.