Better Know a Saint! May 6 Edition

St. Petronax

Abbot, called “the Second Founder of Montecassino.” Not to be confused with the Monte Cristo sandwich which is ham and cheese between two slices of french toast. It's usually served with pancake syrup which ups its yum quotient!

Anyway, Petronax joined the Benedictines and in 717 went to Montecassino at the urging of Pope Benedict. It seems the Lombards left a mess when the stayed at the Montecassino in 580.

It wasn't as if it was deserted. Hermits occupied the Abbey, and St. Benedict's tomb was in fairly good shape. With the help of the Hermits, Petronax rebuilt the Abbey. The Pope was so pleased, Petronax was elected abbot for the newly refurbished abbey. For thirty years he was in charge of the Montecassino , and it once again became a respected Benedictine institution.

He is buried near his sister Scolastica, beneath the High Altar of the Abbey. St. Benedict is the Patron Saint of engineers, speleologists (people with an unhealthy urge to shimmy through caves) and of land reclaimination. He'd probably feel at home in our society, since land reclaimation is a big field.

He was proclaimed main Patron of Europe by Pope Paul VI on the occasion of his visit to Montecassino on October 24, 1964 with the following motivation: "Messenger of Peace, Unifier, Master of Civilization and in particular Herald of Faith and Iniziator of monastic life in Western Europe". (Papal Brief - Pacis Nuntius).

Way to go, Petronax!