St. Benedict of Palermo

St. Benedict is sometimes known as St. Benedict the Moor as he was a black slave who is patron of African-Americans. The name Moor is from the Italian word for “black.” Benedict was born a slave near Messina, Italy. Freed, he became a hermit at Montepellegrino, eventually becoming superior of a large group of recluses.  When these hermits were disbanded by Pope Pius VI, Benedict entered the Franciscans as a lay brother.  He was named superior of the monastery, despite the fact that he was illiterate, and when his term was over he became novice master.  Benedict’s miracles and holiness drew countless visitors to the monastery. He was canonized in 1809; his feast is kept on April 4.