Feast of Saint Scholastica -Twin sister of Saint Benedict

February 10, Feast of Saint Scholastica -Twin sister of Saint Benedict and the patron saint of Benedictine nuns, education, and convulsive children, and is invoked against storms and rain. Some spiritual writers, Scholastica is referred to as the Patron Saint of right relationships. She knew how to prioritize her life. 

“Either speak of God or keep silence, for, what in this world is so worthy of speech?” - Saint Scholastica
Saint Scholastica illustrates the old proverb, Man proposes, God disposes.







According to the late-6th-century Dialogues of Pope Gregory the Great, Scholastica was born c. 480 in Nursia, Umbria, of wealthy parents (Anicius Eupropius and his wife Claudia Abondantia Reguardati). Scholastica and Benedict were brought up together until he left central Italy for Rome to continue his studies. St. Scholastica  consecrated her life to God from her earliest youth. After her brother went to Monte Cassino, where he established his famous monastery, she went to Plombariola, where she founded and governed a monastery of nuns, about five miles from that of St. Benedict.

The twins visited each other once a year in a farmhouse because Scholastica was not permitted inside the monastery. They spent these times discussing spiritual matters.  According to the Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great, the brother and sister spent their last day together in prayer and conversation. Scholastica sensed her death was close at hand and she begged Benedict to stay with her until the next day.

He refused her request because he did not want to spend a night outside the monastery, thus breaking his own Rule. Scholastica asked God to let her brother remain and a severe thunderstorm broke out, preventing Benedict and his monks from returning to the abbey.

Benedict cried out, “God forgive you, Sister. What have you done?” Scholastica replied, “I asked a favor of you and you refused. I asked it of God and he granted it.”

Brother and sister parted the next morning after their long discussion. Three days later, Benedict was praying in his monastery and saw the soul of his sister rising heavenward in the form of a white dove. Benedict then announced the death of his sister to the monks and later buried her in the tomb he had prepared for himself.

Saint Scholastica Pray for us.