St. Benedict of Nursia (JM 07)

More than anyone else, St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-547) is responsible for the rise of monasticism in Western Christendom. His Holy Rule summed up by the motto “Ora et Labora” or “Pray and Work” is still, even after 1400 years, the bedrock upon which monasteries are founded. Nevertheless, in his own day, his Rule was not adopted without opposition. Twice attempts were made on St. Benedict’s life: First, monks who had entreated him to lead them as abbot poisoned his wine (symbolized here by the snake in a chalice). Then, an envious nemesis, a priest named Florentius, poisoned his bread. A raven carried away the loaf, however, before he could partake. + In 1964, St. Benedict was named protector of Europe by Pope St. Paul VI; then, in 1980, co-patron of Europe--along with SS. Cyril and Methodius, by Pope St. John Paul II. + Feast: July 11 + Image Credit (JM 07): Antique image of St. Benedict of Nursia, originally published in chromolithography by Josef Müller Art Publisher, Munich and New York, first quarter of the 20th century, from the designer’s private collection of religious ephemera. This is just one of over sixty images in a very popular style of devotional prints issued in several sizes and formats by Müller at the turn of the last century.