This is the presentation of the Saint of the day for April 3, Saint Benedict the Moor by Catholic Lectionary.
Life of Saint Benedict the Moor
O Christian Soul, the actual feast day of St Benedict the Moor is on 4th April, but in the Franciscan Order, it is 3rd April.
He is also known as Benedict the Black. Benedict Manasseri was born to Cristoforo and Diana Manasseri, Africans who were taken as slaves in the early 16th century, to San Fratello, a small town near Messina, Sicily.
They were given Italian names and later converted to Christianity. The Moor in Benedict’s name was gotten from the Italian word ‘il Moro’, for ‘the dark skinned’.
Benedict’s parents were granted freedom for their son before his birth because of their loyal service. Benedict did not attend any school for his parents were impoverished, so he was illiterate.
While growing up, he worked as a shepherd boy. At the age of 21, he was publicly insulted because of the colour of his skin, but he never replied; he smiled and walked away.
His great patience and other virtues, especially charity was noticed by everyone in the town, for he readily gave what he earned to the poor.
One day, Benedict met a group of hermits who lived on Monte Pellegrino, and being attracted by their life of holiness and prayer, he gave away his possessions to the poor and joined them.
Later on, after living as a hermit and serving as cook of the community, he joined the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor.
He started at the friary as a cook, but showing the degree of his advancement in his spiritual life, he was soon appointed as the Master of Novices, and later as Guardian of the community, although he was a lay brother rather than a priest, and was illiterate.
The holy friar was widely respected for his deep intuitive understanding of theology and scripture, and was often sought for counseling. In later years, Benedict returned to kitchen duty for he loved a humble and hidden life.
Reflection
O Christian soul, when insulted, do you always want to reply back and answer with a tone of anger and impatience? Again dear, academics is not everything, God will always find a way of taking you to any height that he wants you to be.
But, take your academics seriously if you have the opportunity to be in school. Be the best no matter your ugly circumstance!
Call for Meditation
‘To yield and give way to our passions is the lowest slavery, even as to rule over them is the only liberty’ [St Justin Martyr].
This day Jesus, my Liberator, save me from being enchained by the demon of pride and revenge. Amen.
Having gone through this piece about saint of the day for April 3, Saint Benedict the Moor make effort O Christian soul to amend your life. Peace of Christ be with you.
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