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Many are familiar with the story of St. Benedict, also known as the “Father of Western Monasticism.” Around the year 500, Benedict left his studies in Rome to lead the life of a hermit in a cave.
His holiness attracted many people and they asked him to preside over their community of monks. After a few struggles, Benedict formulated a rule and founded a monastery that would later influence all other forms of monasticism in the West.
Among those first people attracted to St. Benedict's holiness was St. Maurus, a son of a Roman nobleman, who was initially educated by St. Benedict as a child and then later joined his religious order.
One of the most famous stories about St. Maurus is how he walked on water.
Legendary disciple
St. Gregory the Great details the scene in his biography on St. Benedict:
One day as venerable Benedict was in his cell, the aforesaid young Placidus, a Monk of the holy man, went out to the lake to fetch water, and letting down the bucket to take up water, by chance fell in himself after it, and was presently carried away by the stream, a bow’s shoot from the side. This accident was at the same time revealed to the man of God in his cell, who quickly called Maurus, saying: “Run, brother Maurus, for the child who went to fetch water is fallen into the lake, and the stream hath carried him a great way.” A wonderful thing and not heard of since the time of Peter the Apostle! Maurus having asked and received his benediction, upon the command of his Superior went forth in haste, and, being come to the place to which the child was driven by the stream, thinking still he went upon the dry land, he ran upon the water, took him by the hair of the head, and returned speedily back.
St. Maurus was surprised by such a feat and St. Benedict explained how this happened:
Benedict ascribed to Maurus his prompt obedience, and not to his own merits; but contrariwise Maurus attributed it wholly to his command, not imputing any virtue to himself in that which he had done unwittingly.
This miracle is a good summary of St. Maurus' life, as he was obedient to St. Benedict in all things, closely following him in the realm of holiness.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "he went to France in 543 and became the founder and superior of the abbey at Glanfeuil, later known by his name."
He died on January 15, 584, and is venerated by many around the world, especially in France. His feast day is the date of his death.
