Saint Maurus

Saint Maurus was born around 510 in Italy, the son of Equitius, a Roman nobleman. While still a boy, he was entrusted by his parents to Saint Benedict at Subiaco, becoming Benedict’s first disciple and a model of Benedictine formation. Saint Gregory the Great recounts how Maurus, sent in obedience, ran across the water to rescue the young oblate Placidus from drowning—an enduring sign of faith expressed through humble submission to God’s will. Ordained a deacon, Maurus served as Benedict’s trusted helper and was appointed coadjutor at Subiaco before later joining him at Monte Cassino. Tradition holds that he was then sent into Gaul to plant Benedictine life there, and that along the journey his prayers brought healing to the sick. He governed the monastery of Glanfeuil for many years, resigning in 581 to embrace solitude and prayer until his death on January 15, 584. Venerated widely in the Benedictine family, he is also honored as patron in places such as Aci Castello, Alcoy, and Mathi. His feast day is January 15.