Saint Placidus

Saint Placidus, born in Italy to the patrician Tertullus, was entrusted as a child—about eight years old—to the care of Saint Benedict of Nursia at Subiaco, offered to God as an oblate and formed in the way of monastic obedience and prayer. In the Dialogues of Saint Gregory the Great, Placidus appears in a beloved story of Benedictine life: when the boy fell into the lake below the monastery, Saint Benedict commanded the monk Maurus to go to him, and Maurus, strengthened by obedience, ran across the water and drew Placidus safely to shore. This account has long been cherished as a witness to trust in God and the grace that flows through humble submission. Placidus is also remembered as one who accompanied Benedict to Monte Cassino around 529, sharing in the early foundations of Benedictine life. Though little else is known of his later years, his name endured in ancient litanies among the confessors, honored close to Benedict and Maurus. He is venerated as patron of Castel di Lucio, Granollers, Poggio Imperiale, and Torrebruna. His feast day is October 5.