Saint Romuald (c.951-1027)

Saint Romuald felt a calling deep in his heart to live virtuously, but ignored the call in his youth. He spent many years devoted to the world and its pleasures. However, his life changed forever when he witnessed his father kill a rival in a duel. He was so shaken up by what he saw that he felt as though the crime was his own. He joined a Benedictine monastery, hoping to repent for his sinful life. He liked to travel and see God's creation, and he established several more hermitages and monasteries on his excursions throughout Italy. Like many other saints, he faced numerous temptations and slanderous words. He faced these obstacles with patience and prayer. Instead of living an easier lifestyle in his advanced years, Romuald increased his penances and simplicities.