Petronax
is considered to be the second founder of the Monastery Abbey of Monte
Cassino, initially established by St. Benedict of Nursia.
A
native of Brescia, Petronax was encouraged by Pope St. Gregory II to
make a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Benedict in the year 717. There,
among the ruins of the old monastery destroyed by the Lombards in 581,
he found a few hermits. These solitaries elected Petronax superior, and
other disciples soon gathered.
With
the help of prominent nobles, especially the Duke of Benevento, and
with strong backing from three popes, Petronax rebuilt Monte Cassino.
Under the new abbot’s lengthy and energetic rule the community thrived
once again, regaining its old eminence. Saints, and prominent men of all
kinds, sought the hospitality of the great Benedictine abbey.
Petronax led the community until his death about the year 747.
Photo by: Halibutt
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