The first degree of humility is prompt obedience – Saint Benedict

Benedict was born to Cristoforo and Diana Manasseri, Africans who were taken as slaves in the early 16th century to San Fratello, a small town near Messina, Sicily. They were given Italian names and later converted to Christianity. Because of his appearance, Benedict was also called Æthiops or Niger.

Benedict's parents were granted freedom before his birth because of their "loyal service". Like most peasants, Benedict did not attend any school and was illiterate. During his youth, he worked as a shepherd and was quick to give what he had earned to the poor. When he was 21 years old, he was publicly insulted for his color. His forbearance at this time was noted by the leader of an independent group of hermits on nearby Monte Pellegrino, who followed the Rule for hermit life written by Francis of Assisi. Benedict was quickly invited to join that community, and shortly thereafter he gave up all his earthly possessions and joined them. He served as the cook for the community and at the age of twenty-eight succeeded Jerome Lanze as leader of the group.

Once he became a friar of the Order, Benedict was assigned to Palermo to the Franciscan Friary of St. Mary of Jesus. He started at the friary as a cook, but, showing the degree of his advancement in the spiritual life, he was soon appointed as the master of novices, and later as Guardian of the community, although he was a lay brother rather than a priest, and was illiterate.

Benedict accepted the promotion, and successfully helped the order adopt a stricter version of the Franciscan Rule of life. He was widely respected for his deep, intuitive understanding of theology and Scripture, and was often sought for counseling. He also had a reputation as a healer of the sick.

Benedict died at the age of 65 and, it is claimed, on the very day and hour which he had predicted. Upon his death, King Philip III of Spain ordered the construction of a magnificent tomb to house his remains in the friary church.

Benedict was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1743 and canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII. It is claimed that his body was found in-corrupt upon exhumation a few years later.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Isidore of Seville
2. Saint Agathopus
3. Saint Gwerir
4. Saint Hildebert
5. Saint Plato

-Catholic.org