Bénézet[1] (also Benedict, Benezet, Benet, Benoît; c. 1163 – 1184) is a saint of the Catholic Church.

Christian tradition states that he was a shepherd boy who had a vision during an eclipse in 1177, which led him to build a bridge over the Rhône River at Avignon.

Bénézet, it is said, lifted a huge stone into place, and announced it would be the start of the foundation.

Eighteen miracles occurred during this incident, including the blind having their sight restored, the deaf hearing again, cripples walking, and hunchbacks had their backs straightened.

Bénézet thus won support for his project from wealthy sponsors who, it is claimed, formed themselves into the Bridge-Building Brotherhood to fund the bridge’s construction.