A sister/brother saint team
Scholastica, perhaps Benedict's twin, had a part in beginning of his order
By Tony Staley
Compass Editor
Ask people what nuns do and many will say, "They pray." Does their prayer work?
St. Scholastica, the first Benedictine abbess, definitely would say that it does.
Scholastica, the sister -- and possibly twin -- of St. Benedict of Nursia, founder of the Benedictines was born late in the fifth century to a wealthy family in central Italy. Their mother died giving birth.
Scholastica (her name means, "she who has leisure to devote to study") and Benedict were brought up together until he was sent to Rome to continue his studies.
Scholastica had consecrated herself to God at an early age and moved to Plombariola, about five miles from the monastery Benedict had founded around 529 at Monte Cassino, a hill in central Italy.
Some accounts say she founded her own community, while others say Benedict founded the community of women and placed her in charge. It seems likely at least that she served as an abbess under Benedict's direction.
Once a year, Benedict, Scholastica and some of his monks would meet for a day to praise God and discuss spiritual matters. Because she was not allowed to enter his monastery, they would meet at a nearby farmhouse.
St. Gregory the Great writes that on their last meeting in 543, Scholastica, perhaps sensing that she would never see her brother again, sought to prolong the visit.
After supper, Scholastica pleaded with Benedict to spend the night and return to his monastery the next day. Benedict refused because the rule of his monastery -- which he had written -- required the monks to spend the night at the monastery.
Despite her repeated attempts to change his mind, Benedict remained steadfast in his determination to go. Finally, Scholastica joined her hands on the table, rested her head on them and asked God to intervene.
She had barely finished her prayer when a major storm erupted, complete with thunder, lightning and heavy rain. The bad weather forced Benedict and his companions to remain inside.
"God forgive you sister," Benedict responded. "What have you done?"
To which she replied, "I asked a favor of you and you refused it. I asked it of God, and he has granted it. So now go off, if you can, leave me and return to your monastery."
So Benedict stayed and they continued discussing sacred matters, including the joys of eternal life.
The next morning, Benedict and his monks left. Three days later, Scholastica died. St. Gregory reported that Benedict from his cell saw her soul, in the form of a dove, fly to heaven.
(Sources: Butler's Lives of the Saints, catholic-forum.com, Dictionary of Saints, Modern Catholic Encyclopedia, Saint of the Day, and 365 Saints.)
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