The passing of St Benedict on 21st March is the traditional date of the death of St Benedict, c. 547.
On this date Benedictines celebrate the “transitus” of St Benedict, the transition into eternal life. St. Gregory the Great writes about St. Benedict’s last days:
“Six days before he died, he gave orders for his tomb to be opened. Almost immediately, he was seized with a violent fever that rapidly wasted his remaining energy. Each day his condition grew worse until finally, on the sixth day, he had his disciples carry him into the chapel where he received the Body and Blood of our Lord to gain strength for his approaching end. Then, supporting his weakened body on the arms of his brethren, he stood with his hands raised to heaven and, as he prayed, breathed his last.”
At Ampleforth Abbey we mark this date each year with a festal lunch.
To read Fr Abbot's Homily given on this day, download the text from the Downloads section below.
