Benedict was born around the year 480 in Italy. He began his education at home and later attended a public school in Rome. He was shocked by the immoral behavior of his fellow students and decided to get away and go into the mountains. There, Benedict met a monk who taught him how to lead a life of prayer and penance. As time passed, others joined Benedict and they built several monasteries. He trained them to live in a certain way that later became known as the Rule of St. Benedict. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Benedict, who helped others grow in virtue through a life of work and prayer.

Level 1 books in the Footsteps of the Saints series are about 32 pages each and are written as read-alouds for your beginning readers at about a second grade reading level. The print size is large to make it easier to read for young readers, and there are many wonderful illustrations to give a visual for your younger children who are listening.

Brother Ernest, C.S.C.