Maurus
Saint Maurus was a Benedictine monk and the first disciple of Benedict of Nursia. He is significant as an early oblate and is credited with founding the first Benedictine monastery in Gaul, Glanfeuil Abbey. Maurus is remembered for his obedience, his role in miraculous events, and his establishment of monastic life in France.
- Feast Day
- January 15
- Century
- 6th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Maurus was the first disciple of Benedict of Nursia and an early oblate, offered to the monastery as a young boy.
- ›He is known for two famous miracles recounted by Gregory the Great: rescuing Placidus from drowning and walking on water.
- ›According to a late 9th-century account, Maurus founded Glanfeuil Abbey, the first Benedictine monastery in Gaul (France).
- ›He was appointed coadjutor at Subiaco by Benedict before Benedict left for Monte Cassino.
- ›Maurus died at Glanfeuil Abbey on January 15, 584.
- ›His cult spread throughout Benedictine monasteries and he is venerated in India, particularly in Kerala.
Maur
Charcoalburners, Coppersmiths, Disabled People
Abbot's Cross, Spade, Crutch, Scale
About Maurus
Saint Maurus
Saint Maurus (c. 510–584) was a Benedictine monk and the first and most prominent disciple of Saint Benedict of Nursia. His life and deeds are primarily known through the writings of Pope Gregory the Great in his "Dialogues," which recount several episodes illustrating Maurus's piety and obedience.
Life and Historical Context
Maurus was born into a noble Roman family. At a young age, around twelve, he was offered to Benedict to be raised and educated in the monastic life, making him one of the first oblates. Benedict was then residing at Subiaco.
Maurus is famously depicted in a miraculous event where he rescued the younger boy Placidus from drowning. According to the account, Placidus was being carried away by the current of a lake, and Benedict, realizing the danger, sent Maurus to save him. Maurus ran over the surface of the water to bring Placidus back to shore. This incident, along with other stories, formed a pattern for the ideal formation of a Benedictine monk.
After Benedict moved to Monte Cassino, he summoned Maurus to join him. Later, around 543, Maurus was dispatched to Gaul (modern-day France) at the request of Innocentius, the Bishop of Mans, to establish monastic life there according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. Through the patronage of King Theudebert, Maurus founded Glanfeuil Abbey, which became the first Benedictine monastery in Gaul, located on the Loire River.
Veneration and Legacy
Maurus governed Glanfeuil Abbey for many years, resigning in 581 to dedicate his remaining years to solitude and prayer. He died at Glanfeuil Abbey on January 15, 584. His relics were later transferred to various locations, including Saint-Maur-des-Fossés and Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris.
The cult of Saint Maurus spread throughout the Benedictine world and beyond. He is venerated as a confessor and is known for his patronage of various groups, including charcoalburners and coppersmiths, and for his intercession against illnesses. The Congregation of Saint Maur, a significant Benedictine reform congregation in France, took its name from him. His feast day is celebrated on January 15.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Maurus?
Saint Maurus was a Benedictine monk and the first disciple of Saint Benedict of Nursia. He is best known for his role in Benedict's biography and for establishing monastic life in France.
What is Saint Maurus famous for?
He is famous for being an early oblate, for two significant miracles recounted by Gregory the Great (rescuing Placidus from drowning and walking on water), and for founding Glanfeuil Abbey, the first Benedictine monastery in Gaul.
When did Saint Maurus live?
Saint Maurus was born around 510 and died on January 15, 584. His life falls primarily within the 6th century.
Where is Saint Maurus venerated?
Saint Maurus is venerated within the Catholic Church, particularly by Benedictine congregations worldwide. His cult spread throughout France and Italy, and he is also honored in parts of India, notably in Kerala.
What are the symbols associated with Saint Maurus?
Iconographic symbols associated with Saint Maurus include an abbot's cross, a spade (alluding to the monastery of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés), a crutch (representing his patronage of disabled people), and sometimes a scale (referencing the measurement of a monk's bread ration).
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