Vatican City postage stamps year 1980 Saint Benedict of Nursias

Vatican City postage stamps year 1980 Saint Benedict of Nursias MNH full set

Saint Benedict of Nursia, born around 480 AD in Norcia, Italy, is renowned as the founder of Western monasticism. Disturbed by the moral decay in Rome, he withdrew to Subiaco, living as a hermit before establishing twelve monastic communities. His most significant foundation was the Abbey of Monte Cassino, where he authored the “Rule of Saint Benedict,” a guide emphasizing prayer, work, study, and hospitality. This rule became the cornerstone for monastic life across Europe. In 1964, Pope Paul VI declared him the patron saint of Europe.