St. Scholastica

St. Scholastica was born around 480 A.D. in Nursia, Italy, to a noble Roman family. She was the twin sister of St. Benedict, who would later become the Father of Western Monasticism. From an early age, both twins showed a deep devotion to God and a desire for the religious life. Scholastica and Benedict were raised in a Christian household where they learned the importance of prayer, charity, and service to others. Their parents, who were devout Christians, provided them with a solid foundation in the faith and encouraged their spiritual development. The twins shared a special bond that would last throughout their lives, united by their common love for God and their desire to serve Him.

As they grew older, both Scholastica and Benedict felt called to dedicate their lives completely to God. While Benedict left home to pursue his studies in Rome and later became a hermit, Scholastica chose to remain closer to home and began living a life of prayer and devotion. She established a small community of women who shared her desire for a life of prayer and service. Scholastica's community was located near her brother's monastery at Monte Cassino, allowing the twins to maintain their close relationship while each pursued their respective vocations. Scholastica's community followed a similar pattern of prayer and work as her brother's monks, adapting the Benedictine way of life for women.

Scholastica's community grew as more women were drawn to her example of holiness and her gentle but firm leadership. She established what would become the first Benedictine convent for women, creating a model for female monasticism that would spread throughout Europe. Scholastica's nuns followed a rule of life that emphasized prayer, work, and community living, similar to the Rule that her brother Benedict would write for his monks. The community lived in simple dwellings near the monastery, maintaining their own chapel and common areas while sharing in the spiritual life of the larger Benedictine family. Scholastica was known for her wisdom, her gentle spirit, and her ability to guide her sisters with love and understanding.

One of the most famous stories about St. Scholastica involves her annual visit with her brother Benedict. Each year, Scholastica would travel to meet Benedict at a house near his monastery for a day of spiritual conversation and prayer. During one of these visits, as evening approached, Benedict prepared to return to his monastery, following the monastic custom of spending the night in his own cell. However, Scholastica, sensing that this might be their last meeting on earth, begged her brother to stay longer so they could continue their spiritual conversation. Benedict, following the strict monastic rule, refused to spend the night outside his monastery. Scholastica then prayed to God, and immediately a violent storm broke out, making it impossible for Benedict to leave. When Benedict asked his sister what she had done, she replied that she had asked God for this favor, and since he would not listen to her, God had listened to her instead. Benedict, recognizing the power of his sister's prayer, stayed with her, and they spent the night in spiritual conversation and prayer.

Three days after this meeting, St. Scholastica died peacefully in her convent. According to tradition, Benedict, who was in his monastery at the time, saw his sister's soul ascending to heaven in the form of a dove. This vision confirmed to him that his beloved sister had entered into eternal life. Benedict had Scholastica's body brought to his monastery and buried her in the tomb he had prepared for himself, so that in death as in life, they would not be separated. St. Scholastica's death marked the end of a life that had profoundly influenced the development of female monasticism in the Church. Her example of prayer, community living, and spiritual leadership continues to inspire women religious and lay people today. St. Scholastica was canonized by the Church, and her feast day is celebrated on February 10th, the day after the feast of St. Benedict's sister, St. Scholastica, in the traditional calendar.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Scholastica is celebrated on February 10th, during the winter season when the Church reflects on the themes of preparation and waiting. This feast is celebrated as a memorial in the Roman Catholic Church, recognizing Scholastica's importance as the founder of Benedictine nuns and the twin sister of St. Benedict. The feast falls during a time when many people are seeking warmth and comfort, making it an ideal time to remember Scholastica's example of spiritual friendship and community living. The feast provides an opportunity to honor Scholastica's memory and to reflect on the importance of relationships and community in our spiritual lives.

Traditions and Customs

On the feast day of St. Scholastica, many people participate in special prayers and devotions to honor her memory and seek her intercession. Churches, particularly those associated with the Benedictine Order, hold special Masses and services. Many Benedictine convents hold processions and special celebrations to honor their foundress. The day is also marked by prayers for women religious and for the strengthening of family bonds, asking for St. Scholastica's intercession in helping to build stronger relationships and communities. Many people also take time to reflect on their own family relationships and to pray for the grace to strengthen their bonds with loved ones. The feast is also a time to reflect on how we can incorporate Benedictine values of prayer, work, and community into our daily lives.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the gift of spiritual friendship and the ability to maintain strong family bonds while pursuing our spiritual goals. Many people make special petitions for women religious and for the strengthening of family relationships, asking for St. Scholastica's intercession in helping to build stronger communities. The day is also a time to reflect on the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and to pray for the wisdom to balance our spiritual and family commitments. St. Scholastica's feast day encourages us to remember that we are all called to support one another in our spiritual journey and to cherish the relationships that God has given us. It is also a time to pray for the courage to take on leadership roles in our communities and to use our gifts for the service of others.