St. Benedict - July 11th

Today, we celebrate the memorial of St. Benedict, who is often invoked for protection against the devil. St. Benedict is the father of western monasticism. Born in Nursia in 480, he is the patron of Europe, because of his enormous contribution of establishing Christianity on the continent. It was a time in the Church, civil society, and Christian culture itself, were in great danger. Through his sanctity and accomplishments, he drew the barbarians from paganism toward a civilized and truly enhanced way of life.

When he was young, the corruption of the world caused him to live a hermit’s life of penance and prayer in a cave in the mountain Subicao, near Rome, where St. Romanus instructed him in Christian asceticism. He lived in solitude striving for religious perfection, self-conquest, mortification, humility, prayer, silence, retirement, and detachment from the world. His reputation for sanctity gathered a large number of followers, for whom he erected monasteries in which they lived a community life under a prescribed rule. He founded the great Abbey on Mount Cassino, which became the center of religious life in Europe. The principles of the rule written by St. Benedict became the basis for religious life for all western religious orders after his time.

St. Benedict’s sister, St. Scholastica founded the cloistered Benedictine monasteries. The most famous Benedictine Sisters today are the sisters of Gower, Missouri where Sr. Wilhelmina, the incorrupt nun is located.

We may be familiar with the St. Benedict metal, which is very powerful against the devil. On the medal, St. Benedict holds a cross in his hand. A broken chalice, and a crow are pictured behind him.

St. Benedict’s power over the devil can be understood by these two examples: A community of monks, whose abbot died, asked St. Benedict to accept the office as abbot, of their community. He first refused, but later conceded. However, after instituting a strict monastic discipline. But because they were lax, they wanted to kill him by poisoning his wine. He made the sign of the cross over a cup of poisoned wine, which immediately broke. St. Benedict replied, “God forgive you brothers. Why have you plotted this wicked thing against me? Did I not tell you beforehand my ways were not in accord with yours. Go and find an abbot to your taste…” With that he left and returned to Subiaco.

On another occasion a black bird began to fly around his face, and came so near to him that he could have grabbed it, if he wanted. When he made the sign of the cross, the bird flew away. Immediately he experienced severe lustful images, as he had never had before. He recognized it coming from the devil, and so immediately tossed himself in thorns, and was rescued from the temptation.

The St. Benedict medal and Benedict Crucifix are powerful weapons to protect us from evil spirits.

Yesterday, I had the joy blessing a parishioner’s home and two St. Benedict crucifixes (using the special prayer from the Benedictines given to diocesan priests using the exorcism prayer).

Everyone should have Benedict medals, crucifixes in their homes and they should also have their home blessed at least once a year.

Let us resolve to wear a St. Benedict’s medal, so that Our Divine Lord will protect us from the wickedness and snares of the devil. And may we also call upon the Blessed Virgin, who will crush the head of the serpent.