The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown on Monday celebrated the feast day of St. Benedict, holding him up as an example of the community the Catholic Church aims for.

“His vision for a collective of all kinds of peoples and groups under one umbrella for worship is indicative of the community and bond that we as a Catholic Church strive to achieve,” the diocese posted online. “Let us pray through his intercession that we may be drawn ever closer to our brothers and sisters in Christ, in the way that we worship, in the way that we celebrate and mourn, and in the way we live our lives every day. St. Benedict, pray for us!” 

St. Benedict of Nursia was born in Italy around the year 480, according to Britannica. His parents sent him to Rome to pursue his studies, but Benedict was disturbed by the Roman people's lack of moral restraint, so he moved into a cave about 40 miles away. 

In that cave, he lived a Spartan life for three years, Britannica says, and became famous for his sanctity, and monks persuaded him to become the abbott of a nearby monastery. However, he was not well-liked by everyone, and someone attempted to poison him. He returned to his cave, but people who believed in him kept returning to him. He went on to establish 12 monasteries.

Benedict compiled a list instructions for religious life into what is now called the Rule of St. Benedict, which is still used to guide religious life centuries later, according to Catholic.org. His rule describes the power of using rhetoric to spread the gospel and it emphasizes the importance of reading and meditating on sacred Scripture. Benedict passed away shortly after his twin sister, St. Scholastica. In artwork, Benedict is often depicted with a raven or a bell. 

“Almost 1500 years later, St. Benedict's rule of monastic tradition continues to drive devotion to this day,” the diocese said in its posting. 

Benedict is the patron saint of Europe, schoolchildren, monastics and poisoning, according to Franciscan Media, adding that his feast day is celebrated each year on July 11.