Feast of San Benedetto da Nursia

San Benedetto da Nursia, ora pro nobis

"Pray and work."

March 21st is the Feast of San Benedetto da Nursia, Hermit and Patriarch of Western monasticism (he wrote the "Holy Rule of Saint Benedict"). Invoked against demonic possession and temptation, San Benedetto is the patron saint of Europe, Pertosa in Salerno, monks, architects, engineers, speleologists and spelunkers. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to St. Benedict of Nursia. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Monastery of Santa Maria di Picciano in Matera, Basilicata. Evviva San Benedetto da Nursia!

A Prayer to Saint Benedict

Dear Saint Benedict, I thank God for showering you with His grace to love Him above all else and to establish a monastic rule that has helped so many of His children live full and holy lives. Through the cross of Jesus Christ, I ask you to please intercede that God might protect me, my loved ones, my home, property, possessions, and workplace today and always by your holy blessing, that we may never be separated from Jesus, Mary, and the company of all the blessed. Through your intercession may we be delivered from temptation, spiritual oppression, physical ills, and disease. Protect us from drug and alcohol abuse, impurity and immorality, objectionable companions, and negative attitudes. In Jesus' Name. Amen.