Benedict of Nursia
Solitude and leadership
Benedict of Nursia was born around 480 AD. in the province of Nursia, today's Norcia near Perugia. At the age of about twenty, he retired to the solitude in Subiaco. Soon many disciples gathered around him and he took over their spiritual guidance. In around 529 he founded the monastery of Monte Cassino. After performing many miracles, Benedict completed his life around the year 547, the day of his death is 21 March.
St. Benedict's Cross
In the corners of the cross are the letters: C S P B = Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti = Cross of St. Benedict.
On the longbar of the cross: C S S M L = Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux = Let the Holy Cross be light to me.
On the Crossbar of the Cross: N D S M D = Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux = The dragon shall not be my guide.