Saint Scholastica

Saint Scholastica - Feast Day: Feburary 10

Saint Scholastica and her twin brother, St. Benedict, both dedicated themselves totally to God. St. Benedict founded the Order of St. Benedict, while St. Scholastica established and led the first community of Benedictine nuns.

The two were born in 480 to wealthy parents in central Italy, and were brought up together until Benedict left for Rome to continue his studies. 

Little is known about Scholastica's early life, but as a wealthy noblewoman, she would have received an education. Rather than marriage, which would have been expected, tradition has it that she consecrated her life to God at an early age.

When St. Benedict left his studies to pursue a life of prayer as a hermit, Scholastica followed his spiritual journey, and when he founded a monastery atop Monte Cassino, she established a Benedictine community for women a few miles away.

Because Benedict and Scholastica were not allowed to enter each other's monasteries, the two got together once a year in a farmhouse and are said to have spent those times discussing spiritual matters.

According to the Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great, during their last meeting, Scholastica wanted her brother to spend the night with her becasue she knew she didn't have long to live. Benedict, however, said he needed to leave because monastery rules prohibited monks from spending the night away form their cells. Scholastica prayed deeply, and a sudden thunderstorm appeared, which was so intense that it prohibited Benedict's departure. When Benedict protested, "God forgive you, sister. What have you done?," Scholastica simply replied, "I asked you a favor and you refused. I asked it of God, and he granted it."

Saint Scholastica died a few days later on February 10, 542.