St. Benedict is best understood as the spirituality of ordinary life... The Benedictine is a spirituality of work, man's by labor, God's by prayer. (John Senior)  

The beauty and simplicity of the Benedictine Rule is the foundation for the spiritual life of the community. This Rule of Life is read daily. In this "little Rule written for beginners," we find a lovely pattern to be "doers of the Word;" a time-tested way of life which cultured a barbaric continent by the sheer example of its followers. The simple motto of "Ora et Labora" (Pray and Work) stands as an epitome of the means our Father Benedict holds out to realize the desire of eternal life. 

St. Benedict (480-543)
If one wishes to understand in depth his personality and life, he can find in the disposition of the Rule the exact image of all the actions of the master, because this saintly man is incapable of teaching other than he lived. (St. Gregory)  

To find the source of the enduring strength of the Rule, one need look no further than its founder. The saintly Father of monks was a living image of the Benedictine Rule. Its pages reflect the loving care and holy experience of a true father.

Benedict was born to a noble family in Nursia, then educated in Rome. He left the garish glare of the world to seek God in solitude at Subiaco. His holiness was known and he was sought out. He was then persuaded to become abbot of a group of monks of Vicovaro. After a failed poisoning attempt, Benedict left the incorrigible monks to return to his solitude. Fervent disciples flocked to him, so he established his famous monastery at Monte Cassino. The order grew dramatically. After a life of intense prayer and penance, conversions and miracles, Benedict died on March 21, 543. He left behind him the Benedictine Holy Rule and an example that has inspired men and women for 1500 years.