The Benedictine Order was named after its founder, the monk father Benedict of Nursia. Benedict, born around 480 in Nursia (Norcia) in Umbria and died between 547 and 560, is considered the father of Western monasticism and was declared patron saint of Europe by Pope Paul VI in 1964. The Second Book of Dialogues , attributed to Pope Gregory the Great, tells of his life:

Benedict's influence in history was primarily due to his rule, which became established as the determining norm in the monasteries of the West in the 8th century and continues to provide spiritual guidance to countless people to this day. In it, he takes up the tradition of the monastic movement of the 4th and 5th centuries and refers himself to the Church Father Basil and the writings of the Desert Father Cassian .

 

The 73 chapters of the Rule contain general principles of spiritual teaching based on the Gospel and at the same time concrete instructions for shaping community life. They show great openness and are characterized by "discretio", by wise moderation, by the gift of discernment.

The common search for God requires the right order of common times and things, of praying (nothing should be given priority over worship) and working, of eating and sleeping.

This creates a peaceful order in which the equality of all before God and the commonality of property are preserved, but at the same time the diversity of individuals, their needs and weaknesses are taken into account.