St. Benedict

St. Benedict was a monk who founded a dozen monasteries in the 5th century. He was also the twin brother of St. Scholastica. (See the article on her for a good story about their relationship.)

Benedict is primarily known for writing a set of rules which monks follow. These foster a life of obedience and humility. The “Rule of St. Benedict” also lay out how monasteries should be managed. The rules specify that monks should devote themselves to prayer and work – Ora et Labora. Their days should be evenly divided, with 8 hours for sleeping, 8 hours for labor, and 8 hours for prayer. These rules are widely used in monasteries to this day.