This Friday, July 11, is the feast of St. Benedict the Abbot. Benedict is one of the most important figures in the history of the Church. He founded the Benedictine Order, which includes men and women religious, as well as lay associates. We are aware of the Benedictines at St. Walburg Monastery, in Villa Hills. Some of them have ministered here at Mother of God, up until just a few years ago. They also founded and staffed Villa Madonna Grade School and High School.
    
Benedictine monks also founded and staffed St. Benedict Church and St. Benedict School here in Covington. Because of shrinking vocations, they had to leave the Diocese of Covington a number of years ago.
    
St. Benedict developed the Rule of St. Benedict, that has guided the Benedictines for almost 1,500 years. It has also been a great influence on many of the rules of other religious orders and congregations.