St Pachomius of Egypt, who died circa 348 AD, is regarded as the founder of cenobitic monasticism, that is to say, of communal monastic life. His Egyptian name, Pakhom, is of Coptic origin.

He was the first to write a Rule for monks, originally consisting of prayers which were well known and could be recited by heart. Later, the texts were expanded with quotes from Sacred Scripture. The monastic day was composed, as today, around liturgy, manual labour and spiritual reading.

May St Pachomius pray for us in our own endeavours to live out the Gospel, and may God bless you this day.