23 March 543 A.D. Benedict of Nursia Dies—Founder of Benedictine Order
23 March 543 A.D. Benedict of Nursia Dies—Founder of Benedictine Order Benedict of Nursia ( Italian : San Benedetto da Norcia ) (c. 480 – 21 March 543 or 547) is a Christian saint, honoured by the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church [1] as the patron saint of Europe and students. Benedict founded twelve communities for monks at Subiaco, Italy (about 40 miles (64 km) to the east of Rome), before moving to Monte Cassino in the mountains of southern Italy . The Catholic Order of St Benedict and the Anglican Order of St Benedict are of later origin and, moreover, not an "order" as commonly understood but merely a confederation of autonomous congregations. [2] Benedict's main achievement is his " Rule of Saint Benedict ", containing precepts for his monks. It is heavily influenced by the writings of John Cassian , and shows strong affinity with the Rule of the Master . But it also has a unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonablen...