2024, the world marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of Saint Benedict the Moor, a beloved figure
in the city of Palermo, Sicily, where he serves as co-patron. While his story is well known among the citizens of Sicily, what many may not realize is that his influence reaches far beyond local devotion.
Over the centuries, Benedict has been venerated by people across Europe and South America, becoming a
symbol of faith, hope, and resilience for many African Catholics.
Born to enslaved African parents, Benedict’s
remarkable journey from humble beginnings to sainthood
represents a powerful tale of redemption and spiritual triumph.
In a time when storytellers, series, and films are increasingly focused on reclaiming narratives of the past—
particularly those tied to the African diaspora—the story of Saint Benedict the Moor remains strikingly absent.
Despite being a beloved and celebrated saint, his legacy has been lost in the margins of history. His story offers a
crucial counterpoint to the dominant iconography of sainthood, which has been overwhelmingly white in its visual
and cultural representation. Rediscovering Benededict’s journey is an opportunity to challenge this historical erasure
and provide a more inclusive perspective on faith, spirituality, and the African presence in European religious history.
This is a moment to reconnect with the stories that have shaped global cultures, but were forgotten or silenced.