HERMANDAD DE SAN BENITO DE LEBRIJA (Sevilla) 2025

Beautiful video of the procession of the Brotherhood of Saint Benedict of Lebrija (Seville) through the city streets on July 11, 2025. Saint Benedict of Nursia (480–547) is the father of Western monasticism and patron saint of Europe. After rejecting the licentious life in Rome, he lived as a hermit and founded the Benedictine Order. He is famous for his Rule, based on the balance between prayer and work (ora et labora). Born in Nursia (Italy) in 480 into a noble family, Benedict was sent to Rome to study philosophy and literature. Dismayed by the moral corruption of the city, he abandoned his studies and possessions to dedicate himself to religious life. Main stages of his life: Hermitage in Subiaco: After a brief retreat, he lived as a hermit for three years in a cave known today as Sacro Speco. There his spirit was forged and he began to gain a reputation for holiness. The Rule and the Monasteries: After briefly leading a community of monks, he founded several monasteries in the Aniene Valley. Later, he moved to Monte Cassino, where he founded his most important monastery and wrote his famous Rule, a compendium of 73 chapters that balances community life, prayer, and manual labor. Miracles and Protection: Numerous miracles are attributed to him, including the multiplication of food and survival of poisoning attempts thanks to his blessings. From these protections arose the popular St. Benedict medal, used as a symbol of defense against evil. Death: He died in 547 and was buried next to his twin sister, St. Scholastica. In 1964, Pope Paul VI officially declared him Patron Saint of Europe.