Saint Benedict: Unravel all the mysteries of the Black Saint

On October 5th, the day of Saint Benedict is celebrated, a very popular saint in Brazilian culture. But do you know who the Black Saint was? Saint Benedict is a Catholic saint whose origins are linked to Africa, but who lived all his life in Italy.

Also known as “the Moor”, São Benedito was initially loved by black slaves and, because of his enormous faith and generosity, he came to be worshiped by the whole society. Even illiterate, he won the respect of everyone, including the clergyman who came to him for advice.

If you also admire the humility of the Black Saint, stay here to learn about the history of São Benedito, his curiosities and the syncretism in Umbanda.

Who was Saint Benedict?

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Saint Benedict was a faithful servant of the Catholic Church of the Franciscan order who dedicated his life to transmitting the word of the Lord, always with a smile on his face and joy in his heart. In 1807 he was canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII.

However, much earlier (in 1652), he was already considered the patron saint of Palermo, Italy, and of all blacks of African origin. That’s because a dark-skinned saint respected by the entire Church symbolized a breath of hope and faith for those who had only known a life of oppression.

The Saint began his life of servitude in a Franciscan monastery as a cook and turned the kitchen into his altar of prayer and adoration. Although he never studied, faithful and clergy turned to him when they needed guidance. Because of this and his unquestionable wisdom, he was promoted to the position of leader of the monastery.

However, when his tenure as superior of the monastery ended, he returned to work in the kitchen, feeding all those in need with food and faith. It is no wonder that São Benedito is considered the patron saint of cooks and nutritionists.

Santo Negro is so adored by the Brazilian people that, here, there is a specific day to celebrate the impeccable life of São Benedito: October 5th. In the rest of the world, his celebration takes place on April 4, the day of his death.

History of Saint Benedict

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There are theologians who say that Saint Benedict was a slave captured in Africa and taken to work in Europe. But the best-known version is that he was born in Sicily, Italy, and that his parents were slaves from Ethiopia.

In fact, it is said that their parents had no desire to start a family, as they did not want their children to become slaves like them. However, with the promise made by their lord that, if they had a son, he would be free, Benedito was born.

The boy with dark skin and white smile was raised according to Christian teachings by his mother. During his youth, Benedito had a lot of interest and admiration for the Franciscan friars who performed acts of charity in the Italian streets. It didn’t take long for him to catch the attention of the friars who invited him to join the congregation.

In the monastery, the Black Saint held the position of cook, then leader, and finally cook again. In all positions, he always worked with generosity and affection for the population.

In this way, Benedict was not only sought out by his faithful for guidance and advice, but also to grant protection and blessings. In fact, the black friar became well known for starring in three miraculous episodes.

The 3 miracles of Saint Benedict:

1. Miracle of the Fish: On a winter day, with nothing to eat, Benedito asked the friars to fill buckets with water and place boards on top. After spending the whole night in prayer, fish were found in the buckets;
2. Angel Meal: They say that on a day of worship, beautiful young people of angelic appearance were seen helping the Black Saint to prepare the parishioners’ meal. The youths were said to be angels;
3. Blood of the Poor: Benedito didn’t like it when his helpers wasted bread, saying that the crumbs represented the blood of the poor. One day, annoyed with so much waste, he ran a sponge over the crumbs and squeezed. From it flowed the blood of the poor.

Saint Benedict died at the age of 65, in April 1589, fulfilling all the tasks of his mission. He left behind a message of hope and humility admired to this day by countless devotees.

Who is Saint Benedict in Umbanda?

In syncretism, São Benedito is represented by Ossain, the orixá of healing, in Umbanda. The two religious figures have origins that border on mystery, but who built stories forged in generosity and humility.

Ossain is an Orisha sorcerer who uses the power of nature for healing. Saint Benedict was also known for his miracles, including in relation to the health of his faithful. Therefore, it is recurrent to make the relationship between the Black Saint and Ossain. In addition, the two entities are celebrated on the same day: October 5th.

In addition to syncretism, São Benedito symbolizes the head of the first line of Umbanda, the line of Oxalá. It is composed of the spirits of people who, when they were incarnated, lived lives imbued with faith and devotion, following the lineage of the Pretos Velhos.

Prayer to Saint Benedict

“O Saint Benedict, admirable model of charity and humility,

For your ardent love to the Most Holy Mary who placed her divine Son in your arms,

For that soft sweetness with which Jesus filled your heart, I beg you: help me in all my needs and obtain for me in a special way, the grace that I ask of you at this moment. (Make your wish).

O Saint Benedict, intercede for me as I turn to you confidently.

You who were so wonderful and prodigal in attending to your devotees, answer my prayer and grant me what I ask of you.

Amen. ”

Protector of slaves and patron of cooks, São Benedito lived an admirable life and, to this day, accompanies his devotees, granting blessings and miracles. Despite suffering from prejudice because of the color of her skin, faith never left her heart.

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