Born in Italy in the 10th century, as a young man Romuald had few boundaries to his passions.

But, when he was twenty, his father killed a relative in a duel over property and the event devastated Romuald, sending his life in a new direction. 

He went to the Basilica of Sant’apollinare where he became a monk. But his choice of a penitential life was too severe for most of his brother monks and they asked him to leave. 

Romuald continued to search for others who had a desire for a more penitential life and, as a result, he spent the next thirty years building monasteries and hermitages all across Italy. 

The most famous of these was Camaldoli in Tuscany, where he started the Camaldolese Benedictines. 

Romuald’s own faith journey was not an easy one. He suffered severe spiritual dryness then, in prayer, he was pointed to Psalm 31: “I will rejoice and be glad in Your Mercy.” 

He then was given insight that lasted the rest of his life. 

He died on this day in 1027. 

St. Romuald, please pray for us.