Rome fell in 476 AD under the pressure of barbaric invasions. Benedict was born c. 480 AD into a notable Roman Family in the province of Nursia. From 494-500 AD Benedict was sent to Rome with his nurse to acquire a liberal eduction.

At some point, Benedict became dissatisfied with the immorality of Roman life and went with his nurse to Enfide (Affile) in the Subrucini mountains. He settled near the Church of St. Peter in the company of men who sympathized with his feelings and view of life. It was here that his nurse accidentally broke the sheave she had borrowed to clean wheat and she began to cry. Benedict after some praying gave the sieve back to her restored.

Eventually he fled from his nurse and traveled to the rugged land of Subiaco which was about 40 miles from Rome. There he met a monk names Romanus who helped him during his spiritual journey. Benedict lived in a cave with an overhanging rock. Romanus brought him food and drink by lowering a basket to which was attached a bell who's ringing averted Benedict that food was being lowered.

During his three years stay at Subiaco Benedict was severely tempted. One day a black bird began to fly about his face. Benedict made the sign of the cross and the bird flew way and immediately after he was assaulted by temptations of flesh. In his imagination he was attracted by a certain woman he had seen and was tempted to leave his solitude. To overcome so strong a temptation, he threw himself into thorny bushes and nettle nearby till his body became lacerated.

Eventually Benedict was discovered by shepherds who at first thought he was a beast because he covered himself with animal skins. Listening to him they realized that he was man of God and his reputation spread widely.

Benedictine Monasticism