February 11
Benedict of Anianus (750–821)
Founder
Saint Benedict of Aniano (750-821) His name was Witiza and he was a Visigoth, from southern Gaul.
Biography
He entered the Abbey of Saint Sequano, near Dijon, but his brothers in religion did not support him because they were severe, so Witiza decided to return to his homeland and there, next to the Aniane River, he founded a community with a much stricter rule than that of Saint Benedict. The extreme poverty, the very hard work and the relentless fasting frustrated his attempt and then Witiza rectified: he adopted the name of Benedict as well as the rule of the holy founder and built a new monastery. He became a guide and teacher of civilized Europe. However, the mentality of Benedict of Anian did not survive him, and monastic life had more flexible molds than his, although he left behind him seeds of demand and desire for perfection.
Practical advice
Without seeking recognition, with charity correct a fault that should not be ignored, remembering that holiness is built in the ordinary.