St. Benedict

Patron: Of Students and Europe

Benedict was the son of a Roman noble of Nursia, modern Norcia, in Umbria. According to Gregory's narrative, Benedict was born around 480, and the year in which he abandoned his studies and left home.

Benedict was sent to Rome to study but was disappointed by the academic studies he encountered there. Seeking to flee the great city, he left with his nurse and settled in Enfide. St. Benedict is considered the father of Western monasticism, and his Rule became the norm for monastic living throughout Europe. Benedict died of a fever at Monte Cassino not long after his sister, Scholastica (Whom was his twin and also a saint) and was buried in the same tomb. He was named patron protector of Europe by Pope Paul VI in 1964.

The St. Benedict Medal is a Catholic devotional medal associated with St. Benedict, believed to offer protection against evil and temptations.