Hidden Life
Little is known about St. Scholastica’s life, but her influence on the Church is undeniable. She was the twin sister of St. Benedict, whom she loved dearly. Born around 480 to wealthy parents in central Italy, they grew up together until he left for Rome to continue his studies. Scholastica, however, consecrated her life to God when she was very young.
Religious Community
She eventually founded a religious community for women in Plombariola, a neighborhood five miles from where her brother governed a monastery in Monte Cassino. The twins visited each other once a year, meeting in a farmhouse because Scholastica was not permitted inside the monastery. They spent these happy times discussing spiritual matters.
The Last Night
According to the Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great, Benedict and Scholastica spent their last day together in prayer and conversation. It was around the year 543, and Scholastica sensed her death was close at hand, so she begged Benedict to stay with her until the next day. He refused because it would break his own Rule to spend a night outside the monastery. Scholastica then asked God to let her brother remain, and He granted her request through a severe thunderstorm that prevented Benedict and his fellow monks from leaving.
The next morning, after a long pious discussion, they parted ways. Three days later, Scholastica died. In a vision, Benedict saw her soul ascending into heaven. He honored her memory and was buried with her just a few years later. The witness of these siblings teaches the value of holy friendships that mutually build each person up and give glory to God. St. Scholastica’s feast day is February 10.
