St. Scholastica

Feast Day: February 10

“Let us spend this time speaking of heavenly things, for we shall never be separated if we remain united in God.” – St. Scholastica

St. Scholastica, virgin and religious, is honored as the twin sister of St. Benedict, the father of Western monasticism. Her feast day, celebrated on February 10, commemorates her deep love for God, her devotion to prayer, and her life of consecrated service.

A Sister in Faith and Blood

Scholastica was born around 480 A.D. in Nursia, Italy, into a noble Christian family. From an early age, like her brother Benedict, she dedicated her life entirely to God.

While Benedict founded the Benedictine monastic movement for men, Scholastica similarly embraced a life of prayer and community, forming a religious house for women near her brother’s famous monastery at Monte Cassino.

A Life Devoted to Prayer and Communion with God

As abbess of her community, Scholastica led her sisters in living a life of prayer, contemplation, charity, and obedience, closely following the Rule of St. Benedict in spirit, if not yet formally written for women.

Scholastica and Benedict cherished their spiritual bond, meeting once a year to spend a day together in prayer and conversation about the things of God.

The Miracle of Love and Prayer

According to Pope St. Gregory the Great, during one of their annual meetings shortly before her death, Scholastica sensed it would be their final visit. Desiring to continue their spiritual conversation, she asked Benedict to stay longer. When he refused, bound by his rule, Scholastica prayed fervently—and a sudden thunderstorm broke out, preventing him from leaving.

Benedict remarked, “Sister, what have you done?” and she replied, “I asked you, and you would not listen. So I asked my God, and He did listen.”

Three days later, Benedict saw a vision of Scholastica’s soul ascending to heaven in the form of a dove. He then buried her in the tomb prepared for himself, demonstrating their unity in both life and death.

Patroness of Nuns and Siblings

St. Scholastica is the patron saint of nuns, religious sisters, and those seeking protection from storms, as well as a symbol of the spiritual bond between siblings.

A Witness to the Power of Prayer and Holy Friendship

St. Scholastica’s life reminds the faithful that love and prayer hold a power beyond all earthly rules. Her deep union with God and her brother Benedict serves as a witness to the importance of holy friendship, community, and a life centered on Christ.

St. Scholastica, pray for us!