O God, who through Saint Romuald renewed the manner of life of hermits in your Church, grant that, denying ourselves and following Christ, we may merit to reach the heavenly realms on high. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Collect prayer)
“Sit in your cell as in paradise. Put the whole world behind you and forget it. Watch your thoughts like a good fisherman watching for fish.” – St. Romuald
Brutal territorial wars raged in the Italy of Romuald’s day. After witnessing his father kill a man in a duel, Romuald sought solace in monastic life. Longing for martyrdom, he repeatedly tried to undertake a mission to Hungary, but fell ill each time he set out. The writings of the Desert Fathers inspired Romuald to found hermitages throughout northern Italy, reviving the ancient tradition of solitary prayer. His greatest foundation was at Camaldoli, where he established a new monastic community rooted in the Rule of Saint Benedict. Romuald died in 1027. (Magnificat, June 19, 2024
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