The Life of Five Holy Abbots

This work by St. Bede records five lives of significant English saints from the dark ages. It starts with the life of Benedict, a bishop who established a monastery in honor of St. Peter with the assistance of the Anglo-Saxon King Ecgfrith. Born into nobility, Benedict chose a life of spiritual service over earthly possessions and military duty, seeking to create spiritual sons rather than biological offspring. His journey took him to Rome, where he was influenced by the teachings of the apostles and later returned to Britain to lead the monastery. After a series of events involving the appointment of bishops, Benedict was entrusted with overseeing the monastery of St. Peter, showcasing his dedication to ecclesiastical life and education.