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St
Scholastica
(c. 480–543)
Biographical
St Scholastica was the twin sister of St
Benedict of Nursia, the founder of the Benedictine Order,
and lived a life dedicated to prayer and contemplation. Born around 480
AD to a noble family in Nursia, Italy, Scholastica embraced a religious
life from a young age. According to Gregory the Great, her biographer,
she was 'dedicated from her infancy to Our Lord'. When her brother Benedict
left home to pursue studies in Rome, Scholastica remained in Nursia with
their father. Upon Benedict's return, she established a convent for women
near Monte Cassino, following her brother's monastic principles. The two
siblings maintained a close bond, meeting annually to discuss spiritual
matters. As Scholastica dedicated herself to her community, her reputation
for holiness grew. One day, Scholastica visited Benedict at his monastery,
located a few miles from her convent. As the day drew to a close, she
requested that he stay with her for the night to continue their spiritual
discourse. Benedict, bound by the monastic rule of not leaving the monastery
after nightfall, initially refused. However, upon Scholastica's fervent
plea, he agreed to remain. That evening, Scholastica prayed earnestly
to God, pleading for a thunderstorm to prevent her brother from leaving.
Immediately, a fierce storm erupted, forcing Benedict and his monks to
seek shelter in Scholastica's convent. The two siblings spent the night
in spiritual conversation, deeply grateful for the unexpected opportunity
to extend their time together. The next morning, as the storm subsided,
Scholastica fell seriously ill. Benedict remained by her side, caring
for her with unwavering devotion. After a few days, Scholastica died peacefully,
surrounded by her fellow nuns and her beloved brother. St Scholastica's
feast day is celebrated on the 10th of February, and she is revered as
a model of monastic life, particularly for women. She is remembered as
a woman of strong faith who lived a life dedicated to God, exemplifying
the Benedictine values of ora et labora – 'pray and work'.
She is the patron saint of convulsive children, and against storms.
Place of birth: Nursia
Place of death: Monte Cassino
Place of burial: Monte Cassino
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