Saint Benedict of Szkalka

Biography

Saint Benedict of Szkalka, also known as Stojislav, was a Benedictine monk and hermit renowned for his ascetic lifestyle. He was born in the 10th century in Nitra, which is now part of modern-day Slovakia. He later joined the Saint Hippolyte monastery on Mount Zobor, situated near the town of Nitra. Upon entering the monastery, Stojislav took the name Benedict and became a spiritual student of Saint Andrew Zorard. His dedication and commitment to the monastic life were evident, and with the permission of his abbot, Benedict eventually withdrew from communal life to live as a hermit in close proximity to the monastery. Benedict's chosen hermitage was a cave, where he embraced a life of seclusion, rigorous prayer, and fasting. His asceticism was notable, as he engaged in acts of penance and self-denial to draw closer to God. He devoted himself entirely to a life of virtue and holiness, seeking to deepen his relationship with the divine. Tragically, Benedict's life was cut short when he fell victim to a gang of thieves who mistakenly thought he was hiding treasure in his cave. In the year 1012, these thieves strangled him, and his body was callously thrown into the nearby River Váh. A year later, a miraculous discovery took place. Benedict's perfectly preserved body was found in the river, being watched over by an eagle. This extraordinary event was interpreted as a sign of his sanctity and sparked great devotion among the faithful. The relics of Saint Benedict were subsequently transferred to the Cathedral of Saint Emmeram in Nitra in 1083. Saint Maurus of Pécs, another devout Christian living in the region at the time, wrote a biography of Saint Benedict, chronicling his life, virtues, and martyrdom. This work ensured that the memory of Saint Benedict of Szkalka would endure throughout the centuries, and his story was passed down to future generations. In recognition of his holiness and martyrdom, Saint Benedict was canonized by Pope Saint Gregory VII in 1085. His feast days are commemorated on May 1st, June 13th (on some calendars), and July 17th (on some calendars). Saint Benedict of Szkalka is venerated as the patron saint of sailors on the River Váh in Slovakia, the diocese of Nitra, Slovakia, the diocese of Tarnów, Poland, and Saint Andrew Abbey in Cleveland, Ohio. His representation is an eagle by a river, symbolizing the miraculous event of his body being found and protected by this noble creature.