St Benedict of Nursia (c.480-c.550) is known as the ‘Father of Western Monasticism’.
Although he tried to live as a hermit, disciples attracted by his pastoral care and wisdom always gathered around him, so he came to found many monastic communities, most notably at Monte Cassino.
The monastic Rule he drew up, notable for its spirit of humanity and holiness, had a profound influence on the development of the Western Church and society.
