“Run while you have the light of life, lest the darkness of death overtake you.”
In this episode, Tom Shrewsbury delves into the life and legacy of Saint Benedict. Through the podcast, Tom explores the reasons behind the choosing of the name “Benedict” by Cardinal Ratzinger upon his election as Pope, ultimately taking the name Benedict XVI.
Tom begins by recounting his experience watching the papal election at EWTN. He admits his initial ignorance about Saint Benedict compared to other saints and shares his journey of discovering the intricate details of Benedict’s life, which spanned over 1,500 years ago in Norcia, Italy. Saint Benedict, along with his twin sister Scholastica, were born into nobility and received a profound education, with a strong grounding in Christian teachings.
The heart of the episode covers Benedict’s transformation from a young nobleman disillusioned by the libertinism of his peers to a hermit committed to solitary prayer in Subiaco. His years as a hermit led him to eventually become a spiritual leader and abbot, formulating a community life based on the rule of order, obedience, and prayer.
Tom elaborates on Benedict’s establishment of twelve monasteries and the drafting of the Rule of Saint Benedict, which emphasized labor, prayer, and communal living. His life at Monte Cassino, a monastery he founded which became a center of Christianity and learning, is highlighted as a pinnacle of his efforts. Tom recounts numerous miracles attributed to Benedict, portraying him as a humble servant of God whose life was filled with acts of faith and miraculous occurrences.
Conflict arises when Benedict faces opposition from jealous contemporaries like Florentius, but he handles these challenges with wisdom and continues to focus on spiritual leadership and teaching. The episode closes with a reflection on Benedict’s vision for peace and his lasting impact on Christian monasticism, suggesting why he was an apt model for a pope and a beacon of inspiration for the faithful.
Overall, Tom Shrewsbury imparts a detailed examination of Saint Benedict’s life, emphasizing his spiritual journey, foundational role in Christian monasticism, and the embodiment of peace and piety that was recognized centuries beyond his death.
Chapter 1: Introduction to a New Pope – Tom Shrewsbury recalls watching the announcement of Cardinal Ratzinger’s election as Pope Benedict XVI and ponders why he chose the name Benedict. [00:00:00]
Chapter 2: The Complexity of Saint Benedict – Tom delves into the life of Saint Benedict, noting the intriguing and complex aspects that make him an exemplary figure for papal leadership. [00:01:15]
Chapter 3: Early Life and Calling – The narrative covers Benedict’s early years, family background, and his initial calling away from the licentious lifestyle of his peers toward a spiritually fulfilling path. [00:02:08]
Chapter 4: The Hermit of Subiaco – Benedict’s journey into solitude and prayer as a hermit, drawing followers with his teachings and the beginning of his influence. [00:03:30]
Chapter 5: Leadership at the Monastery – Facing challenges and reluctance, Benedict takes on the role of abbot, implementing structure and facing conspiracies. [00:06:19]
Chapter 6: Miracles and Ministry Expansion – Illustrates numerous miracles attributed to Benedict, his rising fame, and the expansion of his spiritual guidance and monasteries. [00:08:23]
Chapter 7: The Spring Miracle and Other Marvels – Benedict’s miracle of finding a spring and his intervention during Placid’s near-drowning showcase his divine connection. [00:10:49]
Chapter 8: Benedict’s Influence Grows – Despite adversities, Benedict’s fame and the monasteries thrive, attracting more followers and drawing the jealousy of rivals. [00:16:58]
Chapter 9: Final Years and Prophecy – The twilight years of Benedict’s life at Montecassino, filled with prayer, prophetic visions, and his peaceful death. [00:22:28]
Chapter 10: Benedict’s Enduring Legacy – Reflecting on how Monte Cassino was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, fulfilling Benedict’s prophecy, and its standing as a beacon of faith through adversity. [00:24:59]
Saint Benedict was born in Nursia, Italy in the late 5th century. He was raised in a wealthy Roman family but chose to dedicate his life to God and seek solace in asceticism and solitude. Fleeing the temptations of the world, Benedict moved to Subiaco, where he lived as a hermit for several years. Renowned for his deep spirituality and miracles, he soon attracted followers and established twelve monasteries in the region. Benedict’s most significant contribution was his Rule of Saint Benedict, a guide for monastic living that emphasized prayer, manual labor, and community. This Rule became the foundation for Western monasticism and had a profound impact on religious and intellectual life in Europe. Saint Benedict died around 547 AD and his feast day is celebrated on July 11th.
Tom Shrewsbury (1930-2012) was born in Springfield, MO. He spent several years in the professional theatre where he worked with such celebrities as Vincent Price, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett.
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