St. Benedict the Moor

St. Benedict the Moor was born in Sicily in 1526. He was son of African parents who were slaves on an estate near Messina. Benedict was freed by his master at an early age. He was about 21 when he was publicly insulted because of his race, and his dignified bearing on that occasion was observed by the leader of a group of Franciscan Hermits.

Benedict was then invited to join the group; he did so, and in time he became its leader. About 1564 the group broke up, and Benedict was accepted as a lay brother by the Franciscan Friary at Parlemo, where he worked in the kitchen. In 1578 the friars needed a new superior, and Benedict was chosen, even though he was not educated. He accepted the position with reluctance,but he was very successful as superior. He carried through the adoption of a stricter interpretation of the Franciscan rule. He later filled other offices, including that of novice – master. His sympathy and understanding as a religious counselor, helped by a reputation as a healer, brought him man visitors of all sorts, and this continued when he returned to the kitchen in his later years. Benedict died in Parlemo in 1589, and he was canonized in 1807. His feast day is April 4th.