Petronax

Saint Petronax was a monk and abbot, called the second founder of the monastery of Montecassino in Italy. He was born on 1 May 670 and reposed on 6 May 747.

He was a native of Brescia. In 717 he went on pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint Benedict, on the advice of Pope Gregory II. Montecassino was in ruins, laid waste by the Lombards at the end of the sixth century, but a few hermits had remained there. They chose Petronax as their superior, and others soon joined. Funds to restore the monastery came from noblemen, among them the duke of Benevento. From Pope Zachary he received the Rule written in Saint Benedict's own hand. Saint Willibald and Saint Sturmius of Fulda were monks under him.