Benedict of Skalka or Szkalka (Hungarian: Zoborhegyi Szent Benedek, Slovak: Svätý Benedikt pustovník) (10th century–1012), born in Nitra, in the Grand Principality of Hungary, was a Benedictine monk. He was canonized in 1083 and is venerated as a saint. He became a hermit and lived an austere life in a cave along the Váh River. In 1012, he was strangled to death by a group of robbers searching for treasure.
Andrew died in 1009, but Benedict continued to live in the cave for three years until he was strangled to death in 1012 by a gang of robbers looking for treasure.[1] The thieves dumped his body in the Váh River, but his body was found perfectly preserved a year later. In 1083 his relics were translated to the St. Emmeram's Cathedral in Nitra where they remain to this day. A biography of Benedict and Andrew was written by Maurus, Bishop of Pécs.
He was renowned for his piety and strict asceticism.[1]
Feast Day and Veneration
Benedict is venerated especially in Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, but also in the United States. His feast day is 1 May, but in some calendars he is venerated together with Andrew Zorard on 13 June or 17 July.
