Poisoned bread being sent to St. Benedict. Benedict of Nursia (San Benedetto da Norcia) (480 - 543 or 547) is a Christian saint, who is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Catholic Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Communion and Old Catholic Churches. St. Benedict is the patron saint of Europe and students. The legend goes that there lived in the neighborhood a priest called Florentius who, moved by envy, tried to kill Benedict of Nursia with poisoned bread. When Benedict prayed a blessing over the bread, a raven swept in and took the loaf away. From this time his miracles seem to have become frequent, and many people, attracted by his sanctity and character, came to Subiaco to be under his guidance. Rule of St, Benedict Metten Monastery, 1414.