New Painting: San Benito

San Benito de Palermo
Oil on canvas
30" x 24"
2013

Benedict the Moor, O.F.M., (Italian: San Benedetto il Moro, 1526 – April 4, 1589) was an Italian Franciscan friar in Sicily who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic[1] and Lutheran churches.[2] Born of Moorish (or African) slaves, he was freed at birth and became known for his charity. As a young man he joined a Franciscan-affiliated hermit group, whose leader he became. In 1564 he was sent to the Franciscan friary in Palermo, where he continued good works.
Veneration of Benedict is spread throughout Latin America, from Mexico through Argentina. In Venezuela, particularly, his devotion is spread through the country's various states, and he is celebrated on many different dates, according to the local traditions.