LEFT: Benedict Sullivan, age 2 1/2. (Photo courtesy of Dominican House of Studies)\
\
\
She reminded me that Saint Benedict was the founder of western monasticism and that religious orders to this day follow his “Rule of Saint Benedict” that regulated a life of prayer and work for his monks. This was also an era during the Dark Ages when persecuted Christians were transitioning to becoming the religion of the western world beginning with the crowning of King Charlemagne (by Pope Leo III) as head of the Holy Roman Empire on Dec. 25, 800 AD. \
\
\
“He moved Christianity to a new phase,” she said, “to where the monasteries became the centers of European villages and towns. Saint Benedict was instrumental in that transition. Likewise, the present pope wants to help Europe rediscover its Christian heritage.”\
\
\
— Julia Duin, assistant national editor/religion, The Washington Times
SEE RELATED:
