Biography of Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547). It is the second book of the author’s Dialogues; perhaps the oldest and most reliable source on the life of the patriarch of Western monasticism.
Written in the form of a dialogue between Saint Gregory and one of his deacons, it is based on the testimonies of monks who lived with the saint. Saint Benedict is presented as a model of prayer, humility, obedience, and spiritual discernment.
The text recounts his life story, not chronologically, but through relevant or extraordinary scenes (decisions, visions, miracles, discernment), from his youth in Rome to the foundation of the monastery of Monte Cassino and the writing of his famous Rule.
There is a balance between biography and moral teaching, through the presentation of edifying episodes that illustrate Christian virtues: fleeing worldly vanities, overcoming temptations, charity toward one’s brothers, patience in trials, and trust in God.