February 10 – St. Scholastica
Born: c. 480
Died: c. 543
Nationality: Italian
Vocation: religious
Attributes: Benedictine habit, crozier and crucifix, dove
Patronage: nuns, against storms, convulsive children
Canonization: pre-congregation
The twin sister of St. Benedict, the “Father of Monasticism” in Western Europe, St. Scholastica was born to a noble family in Italy and was very devout from her youth.
When Benedict left home to study in Rome, Scholastica remained to take care of the estate with her father. Eventually, Scholastica heard of Benedict’s total dedication to the Lord by living first as a hermit and then forming a community of monks in Italy.
She earnestly desired to follow his example. Biographers believe that she lived for a time in a community of pious virgins before founding a monastery of nuns about five miles away from Benedict’s community. He directed his sister and her nuns according to his rule.
The most famous story of Scholastica and Benedict recounts their last visit together. They passed the time praying and talking of spiritual things before Scholastica begged her brother not to return to his monastery that night. When he refused, she prayed that God would send a storm to prevent her brother and his monks from leaving.
Pope Gregory wrote in his biography of Benedict, “Seeing that he could not return to his abbey because of such thunder and lightning and great abundance of rain, the man of God became sad and began to complain to his sister, saying, ‘God forgive you, what have you done?’”
In response, Scholastica said, “I wanted you to stay, and you wouldn't listen. I have asked our good Lord, and He graciously granted my request, so if you can still depart, in God's name return to your monastery, and leave me here alone.”
St. Benedict agreed to stay and discuss spiritual things with his sister until the morning. Three days later, he saw in a vision the soul of his sister depart from her body and rise to heaven in the form of a dove.
Her body was brought to his monastery and buried there. He died soon after and was buried in the same grave with his sister.
St. Scholastica, pray for us.