Some shepherds chanced upon him. They discovered his secret hiding place, concealed in a narrow cave (grotto) in the Apennine Mountains near Subiaco, in the lonely wilderness 35 miles from Rome. There, through the thickets, they caught sight of a strange man. At first glance, because he was ‘clothed in rough skins, they mistook him for some wild animal’. A closer inspection identified him more clearly as a servant of God. The passing shepherds didn't know his name, or that he’d been living in this remote location for three years. They didn't know that he was ‘born in the district of Norcia of distinguished parents’, or that he’d willingly abandoned his home, his inheritance, and his Roman liberal studies to ‘go into solitude’. Yet their encounter occurred just as this man's reputation for holiness was becoming known in the surrounding region.

A great following soon developed around this mysterious hermit. News quickly spread of his influence, signs, and wonders: ‘Like a shining lamp his example was to be set on a lamp stand to give light to everyone in God's house.’ Great numbers visited his cave, trading food for spiritual nourishment. Not everyone had the temperament, opportunity, or desire to follow his ascetic lifestyle, though many were inspired to live like him: in God's service. Some came to him seeking only advice, having heard of the miracles he performed. But increasingly, as ‘the people of that whole region for miles around had grown fervent in their love of Christ’, many ‘forsook the world to place themselves under his guidance’.

Wishing to please his visitors, this saintly figure agreed to many requests. Approached by an entire monastic community who had recently lost their abbot, he consented to become their superior. Showing great reluctance, he nevertheless agreed to instruct them in the practice of virtue, and to watch over their religious spirit.