St. Maurus

St. Maurus was a 6th-century disciple of St. Benedict of Nursia, known for his deep obedience and miraculous rescue of St. Placidus. He later founded Glanfeuil Abbey in France and spread the Benedictine monastic tradition.

St. Maurus, also known as Saint Maurus of Glanfeuil, was one of the earliest and most revered disciples of St. Benedict of Nursia, the founder of Western monasticism. Born around the year 512 in Rome, Maurus was offered as an oblate to Benedict at a young age—a practice where children were dedicated to monastic life by their families. Raised in the monastic environment of Subiaco, he quickly became one of Benedict's most devoted followers, demonstrating great piety, humility, and discipline.

One of the most famous legends associated with Maurus is the miraculous rescue of fellow monk St. Placidus. According to the "Dialogues" of St. Gregory the Great, Placidus had fallen into a lake, and Benedict instructed Maurus to rescue him. Maurus, obeying immediately, ran across the water to pull Placidus to safety. The miracle was interpreted as a testimony to Maurus’s obedience and the power of faith under the Benedictine rule. This story became central to Maurus’s hagiography and has been depicted in religious art and writings throughout the centuries.

After years of close service to Benedict, Maurus was sent to Gaul (modern-day France) to spread the monastic rule. There, he founded the Abbey of Glanfeuil on the banks of the Loire River and became its first abbot. This monastery is considered the first Benedictine foundation in Gaul, and it played a key role in spreading the Benedictine order across Western Europe. Maurus is credited not only with establishing the rule but also with organizing the monastic life of the community, setting a model that would influence countless other abbeys.

Though not much is documented about his later life, traditions hold that he continued his leadership at Glanfeuil until his death around 584. His relics became highly venerated in France, and devotion to him spread widely, particularly in the Middle Ages. Numerous miracles were attributed to his intercession, and his cult remained strong especially in France and Italy. His feast day is celebrated on January 15, and he is considered a patron of Benedictine monks and a model of monastic obedience and discipline.

St. Maurus was canonized before the formal canonization process (hence, “Pre-Congregation”), meaning he was recognized as a saint by popular acclaim and local ecclesiastical approval. Artistic representations often show him as a young monk, sometimes performing the miracle on the lake or holding a staff, symbolizing his role as abbot and spiritual leader.

His life continues to inspire devotion and reflection among those following the Rule of St. Benedict, and he is remembered as a shining example of obedience, service, and faith.

Feast Day

15-1-

Birth Date

--512 AD

Died Date

--584 AD

Canonised Date

--Pre-congregation

Abbey of Glanfeuil, France

O God, who called Saint Maurus from his youth to serve You in the way of Saint Benedict, grant that through his intercession we may be ever zealous in the spirit of prayer and service. Amen.
ST. MAURUS

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ST. MAURUS

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