July 1, 2012
St. Benedict
St. Benedict – Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Casino, is known as the Father of Western monasticism. His rule for monasteries was moderate and encouraged a generous spirit of hospitality in that visitors to Benedictine communities are to be welcomed as Christ himself. In iconography, Benedict is often seen with a raven, which is one of the symbols associated with him. From the Dialogues of Gregory the Great comes this legend: At dinner time, a raven came daily to receive some bread from Benedict. One day, Benedict received a poisoned loaf of bread from an envious priest. Benedict gave