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Saint Benedict the Moor
Image: Eugenio Hansen, OFS · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Saint Benedict the Moor

African-descended Franciscan friar in Palermo, cook then guardian despite being unable to read

Rank
Saint
Kind
Religious
Life
1526 – 1589
Era
16th century
Feast
4 April
Countries
Italy
Italy

Life story

Benedict was born around 1524 or 1526 in San Fratello, Sicily; sources disagree on the year. His parents were of enslaved African origin, and according to one source their master promised that their first child would be freed. He herded his master's flock, was illiterate, and bore mockery over his dark skin.

At twenty-one he joined a group of hermits living in the Franciscan spirit near San Fratello, led by Girolamo Lanza. He lived as a hermit for about seventeen years. When that arrangement proved unstable, and according to one source after Pope Pius IV ordered independent hermit groups to join established orders, he entered the Friars Minor at the convent of Santa Maria di Gesù in Palermo.

There he first worked as a cook. Although he could not read, he was appointed guardian of the community in 1578 and afterwards became master of novices. Priests and friars sought his advice, and according to the biographies healings were attributed to him.

He fell ill in February 1589 and died on 4 April 1589 in Palermo. His veneration spread across Italy, Spain and beyond; in 1652 the Senate of Palermo chose him as a patron of the city together with Saint Rosalia. Pope Benedict XIV beatified him in 1743, and Pope Pius VII canonised him on 24 May 1807. His feast is 4 April, or 3 April in the Franciscan Order.

Works and witness

  • Born at San Fratello, Sicily, to parents of enslaved African descent
  • Lived about seventeen years as a hermit
  • Joined the Franciscans in Palermo as cook, then guardian (1578) and master of novices
  • Died on 4 April 1589
  • Canonised on 24 May 1807

Patron of

Palermo (patron since 1652)

Saints from the same country

Saint Agnes, Saint Lawrence, Saint Cecilia, Saint Sebastian

References

  • Franciscan Order (OFM), Saint Benedict the Moor (ofm.org)
  • Regione Siciliana heritage record (lasiciliainrete.it), Festa di San Benedetto il Moro (Palermo patronage 1652, beatified 1743, canonised 24 May 1807)
  • Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent), Benedict the Moor

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.