THE BLACK SAINT
a film by Fred Kudjo Kuwornu
The Black Saint
From 1500s Sicily to the World: The Untold Story of Benedict, the Enslaved African Who rose to Sainthood
This film traces the life and canonizationof Sicilian Black Saint—the most venerated saintby African enslaved in South America and by thefirst Black confraternities in Europe—exploring hisglobal legacy through historical reenactments,interviews, and a journey across continents.
Born near Messina, on the Italian island of Sicily, Benedict was the son of African slaves who, as their eldest son, was given his freedom.
Growing up, he was nicknamed “il moro sante” (“the Holy Moor”) for his piety and good works. He became a hermit and then the community' s superior; but, after the Pope ordered them to disband in 1562, Benedict became a Franciscan lay brother. He served as cook, but drew many visitors and supplicants with his reputation for holiness and miracles.
Despite his illiteracy, Benedict was chosen as superior and also as novice master, before being allowed to return to his kitchen
refuge.
A film produced by Do The Right Films
Executive Producer Fred Kudjo Kuwornu