Saint of the Day: Sts. Maurus and Placidus

Monks (Sixth Century)

Their story

+ Maurus was born in the sixth century and was entrusted to the care of Saint Benedict by his father, Equitius. He may have become superior at Subiaco after Benedict’s return to Monte Cassino. 

+ A French legend, based on the writings of Abbot Odo of Glanfeuil, holds that Maurus led a group of monks into Gaul, where they introduced the Rule of St. Benedict. Some local traditions relate that Maurus died on January 15, 584.

+ Placidus was a descendant of the Roman Anicii family. The account of Saint Benedict’s life in the Dialogues (written by Saint Gregory the Great) relates that when the boy Placidus was on the point of drowning, Benedict sent Saint Maurus to his rescue. Maurus walked upon the waters, drew out the child, and brought him safely to the shore. 

+ Nothing more is known of the life of Saint Placidus, although some later traditions claim that he died as a martyr.

For prayer and reflection

“It is love that impels them to pursue everlasting life; therefore, they are eager to take the narrow road of which the Lord says: Narrow is the road that leads to life (Matt 7:14). They no longer live by their own judgment, giving in to their whims and appetites; rather they walk according to another’s decisions and directions, choosing to live in monasteries and to have an abbot over them. Men of this resolve unquestionably conform to the saying of the Lord: I have come not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me (John 6:38).”—The Rule of St. Benedict, chapter 5

Prayer

O God, you have filled us with wonder by the example of monastic observance in the lives of your blessed confessors Maurus and Placid. As we celebrate their memory and follow in their footsteps, may we come to share in their reward.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from Benedictine Supplement: Proper Masses for the Use of the Benedictine Confederation)
Saint profiles prepared by Father Silas Henderson, S.D.S.