CHAPTER II

FOUNDER OF MONASTICISM 15

Norcia in the Sabines—A Matrona—The Twins, Benedict and Scholastica—Benedict Goes to Rome—Conversion of Placidus—Benedict’s Retirement to La Mentorella—Life in a Cave—Temptations—Visit of St. Francis—Benedict’s Ministering—Real Founder of Monastic Life—Growth of His Order—Placidus and Maurus—St. Benedict’s Personality and Conversions—His Ideal of the Religious Life—His Greatest Miracles—His Sister, Scholastica—The Last Day Together—His Ascension.