Saint Benedict of Nursia, Abbot

feast day: July 11

about:
- born: ca. 480, Nursia (modern Norcia) (Umbria, Italy)
- died: ca. 547, Monte Cassino
- died while standing in prayer before God
- father of western monasticism
- twin brother of Saint Scholastica
- golden rule = "ora et labora"  (prayer and work) 
- is considered to be the Father of Western monasticism, and his “Rule of St. Benedict” came to be the basis of organization for many religious orders (his own Order has its cradle at Monte Cassino, Italy, about 80 miles South of Rome).

- was not the founder of Christian monasticism, since he lived two and a half to three centuries after its beginnings in Egypt, Palestine, and Asia Minor. He became a monk as a young man and thereafter learned the tradition by associating with monks and reading the monastic literature. He was caught up in the monastic movement but ended by channeling the stream into new and fruitful ways. This is evident in the Rule which he wrote for monasteries and which was and is still used in many monasteries and convents around the world.
- attributes: bell, broken tray, broken cup and serpent representing poison, broken utensil, bush, crosier, man in a Benedictine cowl holding Benedict's rule or a rod of discipline, raven

St. Benedict's medal:
- is one of the oldest and most honored medals used by Christians and due to the belief in its power against evil is also known as the "devil-chasing medal". As early as the 11th century, it may have initially had the form of Saint Benedict's cross, and was used by pope Leo IX.
-  a Christian sacramental medal
- was first created in 1880 to commemorate 1400th centenary of his birth
- "PAX" (Peace)
- "Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur" ("May we, at our death, be fortified by His presence") 
- CSPB - "Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti" ("The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict")
- CSSML- "Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux" ("May the Holy Cross be my light")
- NDSMD- "Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux" ("Let not the dragon be my overlord")
- VRSNSMV- "Vade Retro Satana, Nonquam Suade Mihi Vana" ("Begone Satan, do not suggest to me thy vanities")
- SMQLIVB- "Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas" ("Evil are the things thou profferest, drink thou thy own poison") 
- at any rate, in order to understand the symbolism of the Medal, you must know of this event in St. Benedict’s life: he’d been living as a hermit in a cave for three years, famous for his holiness, when a religious community came to him after the death of their abbot and asked Benedict to take over. Some of the “monks” didn’t like this plan and attempted to kill him with poisoned bread and wine. Just as St. John the Divine was miraculously saved from being poisoned, when St. Benedict made the sign of the Cross over these things, he came to know they were poisoned, so he toppled the cup and commanded a raven to carry off the bread.

- the medal wards against:
1. To destroy witchcraft and all other diabolical and haunting influences;
2. To impart protection to persons tempted, deluded, or tormented by evil spirits;
3. To obtain the conversion of sinners into the Catholic Church, especially when they are in danger of death;
4. To serve as an armor against temptation;
5. To destroy the effects of poison;
6. To secure a timely and healthy birth for children;
7. To afford protection against storms and lightning;
8. To serve as an efficacious remedy for bodily afflictions and a means of protection against contagious diseases.

-  How to use the medal:
1. On a chain around the neck;
2. Attached to one’s rosary;
3. Kept in one’s pocket or purse;
4. Placed in one’s car or home;
5. Placed in the foundation of a building;
6. Placed in the center of a cross.
The use of any religious article is intended as a means of reminding one of God and of inspiring a willingness and desire to serve God and neighbor. It is not regarded as a good luck charm or magical device.

- It is supposed to be effective in many ways:

• to destroy witchcraft and all other diabolical and haunting influences;
• to impart protection to persons tempted, deluded, or tormented by evil spirits;
• to obtain the conversion of sinners to the Catholic Church, especially when they are in danger of death;
• to serve as an armor against temptation;
• to destroy the effects of poison;
• to secure a timely and healthy birth for children;
• to afford protection against storms and lightning;
• to serve as an efficacious remedy for bodily afflictions and a means of protection against contagious diseases.

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PRAYER TO ST. BENEDICT
source: http://www.st-benedict-medal.com/prayers-to-saint-benedict.htm

O glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of all virtues, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me, humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thy loving heart to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in all the dangers which daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin.

Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance any one who had re-course to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, in the confident hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore (mention it), if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul.

Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

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THE LITANY OF ST. BENEDICT
source: http://www.st-benedict-medal.com/prayers-to-saint-benedict.htm

Lord, have mercy on us, Christ, have mercy on us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Pray for us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, Pray for us.
Holy Father, Saint Benedict, Pray for us.
Father most reverend, Pray for us.
Father most renowned, Pray for us.
Father most compassionate, Pray for us.
Man of great fortitude, Pray for us.
Man of venerable life, Pray for us.
Man of the most holy conversation, Pray for us.
True servant of God, Pray for us.
Light of devotion, Pray for us.
Light of prayer, Pray for us.
Light of contemplation, Pray for us.
Star of the world, Pray for us.
Best master of an austere life, Pray for us.
Leader of the holy warfare, Pray for us.
Leader and chief of monks, Pray for us.
Master of those who die to the world, Pray for us.
Protector of those who cry to thee, Pray for us.
Wonderful worker of miracles, Pray for us.
Revealer of the secrets of the human heart, Pray for us.
Master of spiritual discipline, Pray for us.
Companion of the patriarchs, Pray for us.
Equal of the prophets, Pray for us.
Follower of the Apostles, Pray for us.
Teacher of Martyrs, Pray for us.
Father of many pontiffs, Pray for us.
Gem of abbots, Pray for us.
Glory of Confessors, Pray for us.
Imitator of anchorites, Pray for us.
Associate of virgins, Pray for us.
Colleague of all the Saints, Pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
V. Intercede for us, O holy father Saint Benedict,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray: O God, Who hast called us from the vanity of the world, and Who dost incite us to the reward of a heavenly vocation under the guidance of our holy patriarch and founder, Saint Benedict, inspire and purify our hearts and pour forth on us Thy grace, whereby we may persevere in Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
 ---



links/ sources:
- "Saint Benedict of Nursia"  (The Order of Saint Benedict):
   http://www.osb.org/gen/benedict.html
- "The Rule of Saint Benedict"  (The Order of Saint Benedict):
   http://www.osb.org/gen/rule.html
- "St. Benedict of Nursia"  (Catholic Encyclopedia):
   http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02467b.htm 
- "Benedict of Nursia"  (Wikipedia):
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_of_Nursia
- "St. Benedict of Nursia"  (EWTN):
   http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/BENEDICT.htm 
- "The Medal of Saint Benedict"  (The Order of Saint Benedict):
   http://www.osb.org/gen/medal.html
- "Saint Benedict Medal"  (Wikipedia):
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Benedict_Medal
- "The Medal of Saint Benedict"  (Catholic Encyclopedia):
   http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13338a.htm 
- "Prayers / Novena to Saint Benedict"  (St. Benedict of Nursia):
   http://www.st-benedict-medal.com/prayers-to-saint-benedict.htm

Saint Scholastica of Nursia, Italy

feast day: February 10

patron of: nuns; convulsive children; invoked against storms and rains

about:
- born: c. 480 A.D., Nursia, Umbria, Italy
- died: 10 February 542, near Monte Cassino
- twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia
- is the foundress of the women's branch of Benedictine Monasticism.
- is a saint of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches
- attributes: nun with crozier and crucifix; nun with dove flying from her mouth
- St. Scholastica, sister of St. Benedict, consecrated her life to God from her earliest youth. After her brother went to Monte Cassino, where he established his famous monastery, she took up her abode in the neighborhood at Plombariola, where she founded and governed a monastery of nuns, about five miles from that of St. Benedict, who, it appears, also directed his sister and her nuns. She visited her brother once a year, and as she was not allowed to enter his monastery, he went in company with some of his brethren to meet her at a house some distance away. These visits were spent in conferring together on spiritual matters. On one occasion they had passed the time as usual in prayer and pious conversation and in the evening they sat down to take their reflection. St. Scholastica begged her brother to remain until the next day. St. Benedict refused to spend the night outside his monastery. She had recourse to prayer and a furious thunderstorm burst so that neither St. Benedict nor any of his companions could return home. They spent the night in spiritual conferences. The next morning they parted to meet no more on earth. Three days later St. Scholastica died, and her holy brother beheld her soul in a vision as it ascended into heaven. He sent his brethren to bring her body to his monastery and laid it in the tomb he had prepared for himself. She died about the year 543, and St. Benedict followed her soon after.


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PRAYER IN HONOR OF SAINT SCHOLASTICA
source: http://catholicism.about.com/od/prayers/qt/Prayer-In-Honor-Of-Saint-Scholastica.htm

O God, to show us where innocence leads, you made the soul of your virgin Saint Scholastica soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant through her merits and her prayers that we may so live in innocence as to attain to joys everlasting. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.

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LITANY OF SAINT SCHOLASTICA
source: http://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/St.%20Scholastica%20popup.html 

Lord have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on. us.
Lord have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy on us.
Christ hear us.
Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary,
Pray for us.*
Holy Mother of God,*
Holy Virgin of virgins,*
Saint Scholastica,*
St. Scholastica, true sister of St. Benedict,*
St. Scholastica, chosen by God from eternity,*
St. Scholastica, prevented by the grace of Christ Our Lord,*
St. Scholastica, consecrated to God from thy infancy,*
St. Scholastica, always a virgin incorrupt,*
St. Scholastica, espoused to Jesus Christ,*
St. Scholastica, scholar of the Holy Ghost,*
St. Scholastica, mirror of innocence,*
St. Scholastica, model of perfection,*
St. Scholastica, pattern of virtues,*
St. Scholastica, glory of the monastic life,*
St. Scholastica, mother of numberless virgins,*
St. Scholastica, imitator of the angelic life,*
St. Scholastica, full of faith in God,*
St. Scholastica, replenished with hope of the goods of heaven,*
St. Scholastica, ever burning with the love of thy Spouse,*
St. Scholastica, resplendent with humility,*
St. Scholastica, trusting as a daughter in the Lord,*
St. Scholastica, intent on prayer,*
St. Scholastica, quickly heard by the Lord,*
St. Scholastica, famed for the praise of perseverance,*
St. Scholastica, who didst enter the courts of Heaven in the form of a dove,*
St. Scholastica, who dost now follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth,*
St. Scholastica, who dost rejoice in delights of thy Spouse for ever,*
St. Scholastica, adorned with a crown of glory,*
St. Scholastica, advocate with God of those who invoke thee,*
St. Scholastica, generous patron of those who imitate thee,*
St. Scholastica, holy and innocent virgin,*


We sinners: Beseech thee, Saint Scholastica, to hear us.
That thou deign to help us, by thy most holy and efficacious prayers to God,
We beseech thee, hear us.**
That thou deign to cherish and preserve, by thy protection, the Benedictine Order and all who dwell therein,**
That thou admit us into the number of thy children,**
That thou deign to raise up, increase, and preserve our devotion toward thee,**
That thou deign to preserve in us the perfect observance of the Rule of thy blessed brother, our most holy Father Saint Benedict,**
That thou deign by thy supplications, to moisten the dryness of our hearts with the dew of heavenly grace,**
That, by thy intercession, thou mayest eternally unite us to Christ, the Spouse of our souls,**
That thou mayest lead us to eternal joys, and to Jesus, (our most sweet Spouse),**
That thou wouldst vouchsafe to hear us,**


Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world:
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world:
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world:
Have mercy on us.


V. Pray for us, O holy Virgin Scholastica:
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.


Let us pray: O God, Who, to show the innocence of her life, didst cause the soul of Thy blessed Virgin Scholastica to ascend to Heaven in the form of a dove: grant, we beseech Thee, by her merits and prayers, that we may live so innocently, as to deserve to arrive at eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ, Thine only-begotten Son, Our Lord, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, God, for ever and ever. R. Amen.


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PRAYER TO SAINT SCHOLASTICA
source: http://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/St.%20Scholastica%20popup.html

Dear Spouse of the Lamb! Innocent and simple Dove! How rapid was thy flight to thy Jesus, when called home from thine exile! Thy brother's eye followed thee for an instant, and then heaven received thee, with a joyous welcome from the choirs of the Angels and Saints. Thou art now at the very source of that love which here filled thy soul, and gained thee everything thou asked of thy Divine Master. Drink of this fount of life to thy heart's eternal content. Satiate the ambition taught thee by thy brother in his Rule, when he says that we must "desire Heaven with all the might of our spirit." Feed on that sovereign Beauty, Who himself feeds, as he tells us, among the lilies?

But forget not this lower world, which was to thee, what it is to us,--a place of trial, for winning heavenly honours. During thy sojourn here, thou wast the Dove in the clifts of the rock, as the Canticle describes a soul like thine own; there was nothing on this earth which tempted thee to spread thy wings in its pursuit, there was nothing worthy of thy giving it the treasure of the love, which God had put in thy heart. Timid before men, and simple as innocence ever is, thou knewest not that thou hadst wounded the Heart of the Spouse. Thy prayers were made to him with all the humility and confidence of a soul that had never been disloyal; and he granted thee thy petitions with the promptness of tender love: so that thy brother,--the venerable Saint,--he who was accustomed to see nature obedient to his command,--yes, even Benedict was overcome by thee in that contest, wherein thy simplicity was more penetrating than his profound wisdom.

And who was it, O Scholastica, that gave thee this sublime knowledge, and made thee, on that day of thy last visit, wiser than the great Patriarch, who was raised up in the Church to be the living rule of them that are called to Perfection? It was the same God who chose Benedict to be one of the pillars of the Religious State; but who wished to show, that a holy and pure and tender charity is dearer to him, than the most scrupulous fidelity to rules, which are only made for leading men to what thou hadst already attained. Benedict, himself such a lover of God, knew all this; the subject so dear to thy heart was renewed, and brother and sister were soon lost in the contemplation of that Infinite Beauty, who had just given such a proof that he would have you neglect all else. Thou wast ripe for heaven, O Scholastica! Creatures could teach thee no more love of thy Creator; he would take thee to Himself. A few short hours more, and the Divine Spouse would speak to thee those words of the ineffable Canticle, which the Holy Spirit seems to have dictated for a soul like thine: Arise, make haste, my Love, my Dove, my beautiful one, and come ! Show me thy face; let thy voice sound in mine ears; for thy voice is sweet, and comely is thy face.

Thou hast left us, O Scholastica! but do not forget us. Our souls have not the same beauty in the eyes of our God as thine, and yet they are called to the same heaven. It may be that years are still needed to fit them for the celestial abode, where we shall see thy grand glory. Thy prayer drew down a torrent of rain upon the earth; let it now be offered for us, and obtain for us tears of repentance. Thou couldst endure no conversation which had not eternity for its subject; give us a disgust for useless and dangerous talk, and a relish for hearing such as are on God and Heaven. Thy heart had mastered the secret of fraternal charity, yea of that affectionate charity, which is so well-pleasing to our Lord; soften our hearts to the love of our neighbor, banish from them all coldness and indifference, and make us love one another as God would have us love.

Dear Dove of holy solitude! remember the Tree, whose branches gave thee shelter here on earth. The Benedictine cloister venerates thee, not only as the sister, but also as the Daughter of its sainted Patriarch. Cast thine eye upon the remnants of that Tree, which was once so vigorous in its beauty and its fruits, and under whose shadow the nations of the West found shelter for so many long ages. Alas! the hack and hew of impious persecutions have struck its root and branches. Every land of Europe, as well as our own, sits weeping over the ruins. And yet, root and branches, both must needs revive, for we know that it is the will of thy Divine Spouse, O Scholastica, that the destinies of this venerable Tree keep pace with those of the Church herself. Pray that its primitive vigor be soon restored; protect, with thy maternal care, the tender buds it is now giving forth; cover them from the storm; bless them; make them worthy of the confidence wherewith the Church deigns to honour them!
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links/ sources:
- "Scholastica" (source: Wikipedia):
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scholastica
- "St. Scholastica" (source: Catholic Online):
   http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=240
- "Saint Scholastica" (source: The Order of Saint Benedict):
   http://www.osb.org/gen/scholastica.html
- "St. Scholastica" (source: American Catholic):
   http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1287
- "St. Scholastica" (source: EWTN):
   http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/SCHOLAST.htm
- "Prayer in Honor of Saint Scholastica" (source: About- Religion- Catholicism):
   http://catholicism.about.com/od/prayers/qt/Prayer-In-Honor-Of-Saint-Scholastica.htm
- "Litany to Saint Scholastica" and "Prayer to Saint Scholastica" (source: Catholic Harbor of Faith and Morals):
    http://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/St.%20Scholastica%20popup.html


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St. Benedict's Rule/Motto: "ora et labora" ("prayer and work")

Saint Benedict of Nursia

- feast day (PH): July 11
- twin brother of Saint Scholastica

to learn more, please visit:
- Saint Benedict: http://www.osb.org/gen/benedict.html
- Saint Benedict: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_of_Nursia
- Benedictine medal: http://www.osb.org/gen/medal.html
- Benedictine medal: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Benedict_Medal
- Benedictine medal: http://www.sancta.org/medal.html
- Benedictine medal: http://fatherhoodetc.wordpress.com/2013/07/11/the-st-benedict-medal-explained/