St. Benedict (Benedict of Nursia)

St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547 AD) was a Christian monk and monk founder who created the Rule of St. Benedict, a guide for monastic living. His rule emphasizes balance, prayer, work, and community life, fostering spiritual growth and stability within monasteries. Benedict’s influence shaped Western monasticism, promoting discipline, humility, and ora et labora (prayer and work). His teachings aimed to create a supportive environment for spiritual development and communal harmony, which has had a lasting impact on Christian monastic traditions and Western religious practice.