Benedictine Monasticism Overview

Study Notes

Saint Benedict was born around 480 AD to Roman nobles in Norcia, Italy, during a period of societal upheaval following the fall of the Roman Empire.
Disillusioned by the chaos, Benedict sought solitude and became a hermit, living in a cave near Subiaco, where he was sustained by the kindness of a monk named Romanus.
After battling temptation for three years, Benedict became the leader of a monastic community, founding twelve monasteries, most notably Monte Cassino.
He developed the Rule of Saint Benedict, a set of guidelines for communal living, emphasizing prayer and work, which has influenced Western monasticism for over 1,500 years.
Saint Benedict is recognized as the father of Western monasticism and is the patron saint of Europe. His directives focused on glorifying God in all actions.

In 1895, thirteen Spanish Benedictine monks, led by Abbot Jose Deas y Villar from the Abbey of Montserrat in Spain, arrived in the Philippines intending to undertake mission work.
Initial plans were to establish a mission in Surigao, Mindanao, but due to the Revolutionary outbreak in 1896, the monks relocated to Manila.
The monks purchased a 7-hectare property on Mendiola Street for a new campus after realizing the need for a larger space.
The cornerstone for St. Bede's Hall was laid on September 15, 1925, and the building was inaugurated on June 20, 1926, coinciding with the school's silver jubilee.
The Abbey Church was consecrated on January 13, 1926, marking a significant milestone in the community's establishment.