Founder of western monasticism, born at Nursia, c. 480; died at Monte Cassino, 543. Benedict was the son of a Roman noble of Nursia, Italy, and is traditionally considered to be the twin brother of St. Scholastica and the patron saint of western monasticism. He spent his boyhood in Rome. Sometime between the age of 14 and 20 (around the year 500), he left his parents' home to live a life modeled on the Gospels away from the temptations of city life. He settled down in Enfide with a small "company of virtuous men" who shared his commitment to follow Christ more closely. The notoriety caused by his miraculous restoration of an earthenware wheat-sifter compelled Benedict to withdraw secretly to the district of Subiaco. Now he decided for God's sake to choose deliberately the hardships of life and the weariness of labor. Ora et labora (Work and pray) became the summation of his way of life and of the Benedictine Rule. During three years of solitude as a hermit, Benedict grew in holiness and became so highly respected that he was asked to become the abbot of a local monastery. He returned to his cave after the monks there tried to poison him. His miracle-working became ever more frequent. More and more people, attracted by his sanctity and character, came to Subiaco to share their lives with him. Benedict built thirteen monasteries for these new companions. These monasteries became the foundation of a network of thousands of Benedictine monasteries worldwide. A statue or plaque of St. Benedict is a marvelous reminder of the value of prayer and meditation for young and old alike.