A portrait of St. Moses the Black
St. Moses the Black
c. 330 – 405
Feast
August 28 · V c.
Patron of
Africa · Nonviolence · Monks · Converts
Order
Monk / Martyr / Desert Father
Egyptian Desert Father (c. 330-405), Ethiopian-born former slave and bandit who in his thirties converted and entered the monastic colony at Scetis; ordained priest by St. Athanasius's successor. Killed at Scetis with seven other monks during a raid by Berber pillagers, refusing to defend himself. Pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Born: c. 330 · Died: 405 · From: Egypt.
Patronage
St. Moses the Black is invoked as the patron of africa, nonviolence, monks, converts. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Sit in your cell and weep for your sins.”— Apophthegmata Patrum — Sayings of the Desert Fathers; the saying preserved under Abba Moses.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Moses the Black, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.