Rescue of Saint Placidus

St Placidus was rescued from drowning when he was a boy living in the Benedictine monastery. A monk from the monastery, St. Maurus ran across the top of the water and saved St Placidus.

According to St. Gregory the Great's Dialogues:

VII.2 'An amazing thing occurred, which has not happened since the time of the Apostle Peter: Maurus asked and received a blessing, and at the behest of his father ran swiftly and reached the place where the current was carrying the boy (Placidus). He ran over the water but thought he was on land, took the boy by the hair and came back, still running fast. As soon as he reached land, he came back to himself and looked behind him. He realized that he had been running on the water, and was now amazed and shaken that he had done this which he would never have presumed he could do.

3 'When he came back to the Father, he related what had happened. The venerable man Benedict began to attribute this to the obedience of the monk rather than to his own merits. On the other hand, Maurus said that it happened simply because of Benedict's command and that he had no share in the miracle himself which he unknowningly performed. But in this friendly competition of mutual humility, the boy (Saint Placidus) who was pulled out came in as a referee. For he said, "While I was being pulled out of the water, I saw the abbot's goatskin over my head, and I realized that it was he who was taking me out of the water."' (p. 43)

Saint Placidus Remembered

St Placidus is remembered today for his part in the miracle of the Benedictine monk, St. Maurus. The rescue of St Placidus is evidence of the mercy of Jesus Christ and the miracles that can be accomplished through faith.

Many Catholics strengthen their faith by wearing a St. Placidus medal or a St. Placidus medallion, reminding them to keep the faith. A St. Placidus necklace reminds believers that miracles do happen.