* Born Benedict Joseph Labre in 1748 in Amettes, France, to a farmer and a homemaker.
* Demonstrated a deep devotion to religion from an early age, spending much time in prayer and attending Mass regularly.
* Received a basic education from the local priest, but his love for solitude and poverty prevented him from pursuing higher studies.
Early Spiritual Practices
* As a teenager, Benedict began to practice extreme asceticism, fasting and sleeping little, and wearing clothes made of rough material.
* He often engaged in acts of self-mortification, such as scourging himself with a whip.
* Withdrew from social interactions, spending long hours in prayer and contemplation, often in the forest.
Rejection by Religious Orders
* At the age of 18, Benedict attempted to join the Carthusian Order, but was rejected due to his poor health.
* He also tried to join the Jesuits and Trappists, but was turned away each time.
* These rejections deepened his sense of unworthiness and reinforced his desire to live a solitary and austere life.
Pilgrimages and Wandering
* In 1769, Benedict left home and began a life of constant pilgrimage, traveling to major religious sites in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
* He traveled on foot, often barefoot, covering thousands of kilometers, begging for food and shelter along the way.
* He spent nights sleeping in caves, under bridges, or in the open air, embracing the hardships of poverty and homelessness.
Life in Rome and Final Days
* In the late 1770s, Benedict settled in Rome, where he continued his life of extreme poverty and asceticism.
* He became known for his extreme humility, kindness to the poor, and miraculous interventions.
* He developed a reputation for holiness, attracting many followers and admirers, including several cardinals and high-ranking church officials.
* Benedict died on April 16, 1783, at the age of 35. His tomb in the Church of Santa Maria ai Monti in Rome became a place of pilgrimage and veneration.