Saint Scholastica, the twin sister of Saint Benedict of Nursia, is one of the great early monastic saints of the Church. She is the patroness of Benedictine nuns and is known for her deep love of God, her devotion to prayer, and a miraculous event that marked her final meeting with her brother.
Early Life and Monastic Calling
Scholastica was born around 480 AD in Nursia (modern Norcia, Italy), into a noble Roman family. From a young age, she dedicated herself to God, following a life of prayer and chastity. Inspired by her brother Benedict, who founded the Benedictine monastic tradition, she, too, embraced the religious life. While her early years remain obscure, tradition holds that she was consecrated to God from her youth.
To live out her vocation, she established a convent in Plombariola, near Monte Cassino, where Benedict had founded his great monastery. The two siblings maintained a close spiritual bond, though they lived apart, devoting themselves to the monastic rule and the love of Christ.
The Last Meeting and the Miraculous Storm
One of the most famous episodes from Saint Scholastica’s life comes from Pope St. Gregory the Great’s account in his Dialogues. Each year, she and Benedict would meet at a small house near Monte Cassino to discuss spiritual matters. On their last meeting, Scholastica, sensing that her death was near, asked her brother to remain longer so they could continue their holy conversation. Benedict, always disciplined in following the monastic rule, refused, saying he must return to his monastery.
Scholastica then bowed her head in prayer, and suddenly, a violent storm arose, making it impossible for Benedict to leave. Astonished, he asked her what she had done, to which she humbly replied:
“I asked you, and you would not listen. I asked my God, and He did listen.”
Realizing that this was God’s will, Benedict stayed and continued their conversation through the night. Three days later, Scholastica passed away. Her brother saw her soul ascending to heaven in the form of a dove. He had her body placed in the tomb he had prepared for himself at Monte Cassino, showing their eternal union in Christ.
Legacy and Patronage
Saint Scholastica is honored as the patroness of Benedictine nuns, education, and convulsive children. Her life exemplifies the power of prayer, obedience, and divine love. Her feast day is celebrated on February 10th in the Traditional Roman Calendar.
She teaches us that prayer moves the heart of God and that true spiritual authority is found in humble supplication rather than in force. Her intercession continues to inspire those seeking a deeper union with Christ through monastic life and devotion.
Prayer to Saint Scholastica
O God, You caused the soul of Your blessed virgin Scholastica to enter heaven in the form of a dove, to show us the way of innocence. Grant that through her merits and prayers, we may live in such innocence as to attain eternal joys. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.