Description

Oil Dedicated to St Benedict the Moor

St Benedict the Moor is dedicated to St Benedict the moor. He was born in 1524 in Messina.. He was born a slave. Surprisingly, his master freed him. Benedict became a solitary. Eventually, he settled with other solitaries. As a result, they made him superior of the community. The Pope disbanded communities of solitaries.  Benedict became a Franciscan lay brother. He served as cook at St Mary’s convent near Palermo.

Benedict was appointed superior of the convent.  Also, after serving as superior he became novice master. Benedict asked to be relieved of his post. Subsequently, he returned to his position as cook. Due to his reputation for miracles, his holiness and as a confessor hordes of visitors came to see him. He died at the convent. Benedict was canonised in 1807.   St Benedict the moor’s body remains incorrupt.