Saint Romuald (c. 950–1027) was an Italian monk and the founder of the Camaldolese Order, a branch of the Benedictine family. Born into an aristocratic family, Romuald experienced a conversion after witnessing the moral struggles of his father. He became a hermit, dedicating his life to prayer, solitude, and penance. Romuald sought to reform monastic life, emphasizing the balance between contemplation and communal living. His followers, the Camaldolese, embraced a life of solitude in small communities. Romuald’s deep devotion to God, asceticism, and commitment to monastic reform led to his canonization. His feast day is celebrated on June 19.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Day of Memorial (Optional) to be observed in Canada.