St. Moses the Black

St. Moses the Black was born around 330 and died around 405 in Egypt. Of African descent and once a household slave, he was dismissed for theft and became the leader of a violent band of robbers, notorious and feared across the region. Fleeing from the authorities on one occasion, he took refuge among the monks of the desert of Scetis, and their peace and holiness so pierced his conscience that he abandoned his old life and sought to become a monk himself.

His conversion was radical and lasting. Struggling mightily against his violent past and fierce temptations, he grew under the guidance of the desert fathers into a man of profound humility and gentleness, famously refusing to judge others: 'the sins are behind me, and I do not see them,' he said, carrying a leaking basket of sand. Ordained a priest, he lived to old age revered for his wisdom, and when Berber raiders attacked his monastery he chose not to resist, dying a martyr. He is honored among the great Desert Fathers and as a patron of nonviolence and of Africa.