St. Benedict the Moor

St. Benedict Moor Biography

St. Benedict the Moor has been made patron of African Americans. TSt. Benedict Moor’s parents were slaves of a wealthy landowner in Sicily. Benedict was given his freedom, but he had no chance to secure an education. He was such a devout child that when he was only ten years old he was known as “the holy Moor.”

Benedict lived for a time as a hermit, and then he joined the Franciscans at Palermo. Despite the fact that he could neither read nor write he was elected superior. Later he was made novice master. His power to read men’s hearts and his great sympathy made him the ideal choice for this position. Nevertheless, he was glad when he was released from this position and allowed to become cook. In the kitchen, however, he did not find the seclusion for which he longed. His reputation for sanctity and for miracles brought a steady stream of visitors. He never refused to see those who asked for him, but he shrank from all marks of respect. Throughout his life he continued the austerities of his hermit days. When he was in chapel his face often shone with an unearthly light.

He died at the age of sixty-three after a short illness. In addition to being patron of the Negroes of North America, he is also patron of the city of Palermo. Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of St. Thomas the Moore on April 4th