'''Saint Benedict''' (born about 480 near Nursia, [[Italy]], died March 21, 547 in [[Monte Cassino]]) was a great [[monk]] and [[abbot]] who founded twelve monasteries and wrote the [[Rule of St. Benedict]]. He was canonized by the [[Catholic]] Church in 1220 A.D. St. Benedict's rules are also followed by some monastic communities of the [[Lutheran]] and [[Anglican Communion|Anglican]] Churches. In 1964 [[Pope]] Paul VI named St. Benedict as Patron Saint of [[Europe]] in recognition of his contribution to European [[Christianity]] and civilization. | '''Saint Benedict''' (born about 480 near Nursia, [[Italy]], died March 21, 547 in [[Monte Cassino]]) was a great [[monk]] and [[abbot]] who founded twelve monasteries and wrote the [[Rule of St. Benedict]]. He was canonized by the [[Catholic]] Church in 1220 A.D. St. Benedict's rules are also followed by some monastic communities of the [[Lutheran]] and [[Anglican Communion|Anglican]] Churches. In 1964 [[Pope]] Paul VI named St. Benedict as Patron Saint of [[Europe]] in recognition of his contribution to European [[Christianity]] and civilization. |