Saint Benedict is one of the best-known saints today and is very important to the faithful of the Catholic Church. Want to know a little more about him? Come with us and we’ll tell you!
What is a Saint?
A saint (which may be written as Saint (short for saint) is a person who, thanks to God, was preserved in their purity and was elevated to the status of spiritual intercessor with those they love. Saints have been venerated by Christians since ancient times, when people believed they had the ability to interdict evil and protect animals. Saints are also known as “bringers of good fortune” and intercede with God for a holy life.
Who Was Saint Benedict?
São Bento, one of the most famous saints in Brazil and was canonized in 1830.
São Bento was born on August 20, 1227, in a village in the interior of São Paulo. He was a simple and poor young man, but he had a deep devotion to the Catholic Church. In 1249, Saint Benedict crossed the Tietê River to meet Pope Innocent IV and ask for help in defending the faithful against heretics. Despite resistance from predatory monks and repression from the imperial government, Saint Benedict prevailed and evangelized much of South America until his death in 1261.
According to stories, Saint Benedict influenced Pedro II to adopt the Catholic religion in Brazil. In 1881, Pope Leonidas II canonized Saint Benedict and elevated him to the category of saint. Many Brazilians appreciate the saint for his charity and the strength he demonstrated during his long life.
Medal of Saint Benedict
Officially known as the “São Bento Medal”, the medal is a piece that was manufactured during the reign of D. Pedro I (1808-1834). Proof of the medal's authenticity is its number, signature and date, all written in Latin. The history of the Saint Benedict Medal began in 1837, when Prince Regent D. Pedro II received from Pope John IX an object that would be given to Portugal as a form of recognition for the important services provided by the country during the Crusades. The medal was fixed to a crown, and was offered to D. Pedro II through Queen D. Maria II. The prince accepted the medal and kept it until 1850, the year in which he began to reside in the first house of the Empire: the Palácio do Queluz. Subsequently, the medal was kept at the Ajuda Palace, until 1940, when it was exhibited at the National Museum of Ancient Art.
Currently, many believers have replicas of this Saint Benedict medal as a form of amulet to have peace, health and happiness with God.
Curiosities about São Bento
1. Saint Benedict is the patron saint of science.
2. Saint Benedict was one of the first saints to be canonized.
3. The bishops of Braga and Portalegre were responsible for his beatification.
4. São Bento is considered the protector of animals, due to the legends about him that circulate in the region.
5. São Bento is also the patron saint of arts and commerce.
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