Thursday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time

Saint Lidanus, whose birthplace and early years are not recorded, lived in Italy during the fervent monastic renewal of the Middle Ages. Drawn to the Benedictine way of life, he rose to serve as an abbot, guiding his community with the steady rhythm of prayer and labor that marks the sons of Saint Benedict. Tradition remembers him not only for spiritual leadership but also for a work of mercy toward ordinary people: he is credited with helping drain the Pontine Marshes, transforming unhealthy, flooded lands into ground that could sustain life and livelihood. In the same spirit of building up both faith and community, he founded Sezze Abbey in the Papal States, establishing a place where worship, learning, and service could take root for generations. Lidanus died peacefully at Monte Cassino in 1118, completing his earthly pilgrimage in the motherhouse of the Benedictine tradition. He is venerated especially as a patron of Sezze. His feast day is celebrated on July 2.