Youth: Saint Spotlight

Youth: Saint Spotlight St. Benedict the Moor was born in Sicily in 1526. His parents were slaves, but as the eldest child, he was freed. Nicknamed “the holy Moor” because of his faithfulness and good works, he became a hermit. He eventually became a Franciscan lay brother and worked as a cook in a convent near Palermo, Sicily. Many people came to visit the convent because Benedict was so holy and also was known for his miracles. Even though he could not read or write, he was named the convent’s superior. He died in 1589. On April 4, we honor Benedict, who is the patron saint of Palermo and of African-Americans.