St. Benedict of Nursia (revised calendar of 1970)

In the revised calendar of 1970, the feast day of **St. Benedict of Nursia** is celebrated on **July 11**. This change was made because the original date, March 21, often falls within Lent, and the days of Lent have their own proper liturgies. In 1947, Pope Pius XII named St. Benedict the “Father of Europe,” and in 1964, Pope St. Paul VI declared St. Benedict the “Patron Saint of Europe.” It is under this latter title that the Roman Church and all Benedictine houses celebrate the Feast of St. Benedict on July 11. For non-Benedictine communities and parishes in the United States, the day is recognized liturgically as a memorial rather than a feast.

St. Benedict of Nursia, known as the **Father of Western Monasticism**, made significant contributions to monasticism:

1. **Establishment of the Benedictine Rule**: St. Benedict established the **Rule of St. Benedict**, a set of guidelines for monastic life that became the standard for monasticism in Western Christianity. This rule emphasized prayer, work, simplicity, and hospitality.

2. **Foundation of Monasteries**: St. Benedict founded the **Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino**, and his first monasteries were established in the Anio valley outside Subiaco. These monasteries served as models for future monastic establishments.

3. **Moderation of Ascetic Practices**: The Benedictine order, founded by St. Benedict, called for moderation of ascetic practices. This was a significant shift from the extreme asceticism practiced by some monks at the time.

4. **Regular Worship Services**: St. Benedict established worship services at regular hours, providing a structured daily routine that is still followed in many monastic communities today.

5. **Influence on Civilization and Culture**: The work of monks following the Benedictine Rule in the evangelization and civilization of many European countries in the Middle Ages was so significant that Pope Paul VI proclaimed St. Benedict the patron saint of all Europe.

Through these contributions, St. Benedict shaped the course of monasticism and had a profound impact on the Church and society. His influence continues to be felt in monastic communities around the world today.

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(3) History and significance of monasticism | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/monasticism.

(4) Saint Benedict, Abbot, Founder of Western Monasticism | EWTN. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/saint-benedict-abbot-founder-of-western-monasticism-5225.

(5) The Monastic Movement: Origins & Purposes - World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/930/the-monastic-movement-origins--purposes/.

(6) Feast of St. Benedict–July 11th | Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, AL. https://www.shmon.org/community/blog/feast-of-st-benedict-july-11th/.

(7) St. Benedict Feast day: Jul 11 - Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-benedict-537.

(8) How to Celebrate St. Benedict Day — The Roman Catholic Store. https://theromancatholicstore.com/blogs/blog-post/st-benedict-day.