Confessor, founder of western monasticism, born Nursia, Italy, c.480;died Monte Cassino, 543. A brother of Saint Scholastica, when only 17 he renounced the world, and the wealth and position of his family and took refuge in a cave at Subiaco, in the Sabine mountains, where he lived as a hermit for several years and established twelve monasteries for his followers, over which he ruled as abbot. Driven by persecution from Subiaco, 529, he settled at Monte Cassino, erected a large monastery and established his famous rule, combining manual labor and ascetic practises; he later founded a second house at Terracina. He died before the altar after receiving Holy Communion. He is invoked against poisoning. Emblems: bush, raven, bell, crosier. Relics at Monte Cassino and Fleury-sur-Loire. Feast, Roman Calendar, March 21,.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More