Feast of Saint Romuald: An Italian Hermit, Abbot and Founder of the Camaldolese Order

Saint Romuald Abbot was a Catholic monk and founder of the Camaldolese Order of monks. He is widely known for his deep devotion to God and his commitment to leading a life of asceticism and penance. Saint Romuald is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and is the patron saint of retreats and contemplatives. 

Born on February 19th, 951, in Ravenna, Italy, Romuald was the son of a prominent noble family. Despite his privileged upbringing, Romuald felt a calling to monastic life from a young age and was known for his spiritual devotion and ascetic practices. In 980, he left the world to become a hermit, living in solitude for several years and dedicating himself to prayer and penance.

In 996, Romuald founded the Camaldolese Order, which combined the solitude of the hermit with the communal life of the monastery. The order became widely known for its strict adherence to monastic disciplines and its commitment to the contemplative life. Saint Romuald personally oversaw the establishment of several monasteries and was known for his leadership and spiritual guidance.

Throughout his life, Saint Romuald was known for his deep devotion to God and his commitment to leading a life of asceticism and penance. He was also known for his love of nature and his close relationship with animals, and was often seen accompanied by a deer that he had tamed. Despite his many achievements, Saint Romuald remained humble and dedicated to serving God throughout his life.

Saint Romuald died on June 19th, 1027, at the age of 76. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Gregory VII on January 11th, 1170, and his feast day is celebrated on June 19th each year.

Saint Romuald Abbot was a Catholic monk who dedicated his life to serving God and leading others on the path of spiritual enlightenment.