"How little do we know revealing who you are: this silence, born of peace, perhaps speaks even more." A Benedictine monk on Saint Scholastica
Saint Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia, founder of the Benedictine Order. It was said that she was consecrated to God at her birth but continued to live at home until her brother founded his monastery at Monte Cassino. She established a convent in the nearby town of Plombariola. In her writings to Mother Flavia, Saint Scholastica reveals that it was her brother who named her, saying that she was "destined to remain in the school of the Lord's service."
The Benedictine motto ora et labora (pray and work) became a real joy for the young abbess, for she had practiced it since childhood. She found it the best way to keep her mind occupied with God even though her duties as abbess kept her busy most of the day. Pope Gregory explained that, although Benedict had set out a rule of life for these holy women, it was Scholastica’s duty to see that they kept it faithfully, cheerfully and regarded it as the best means for their sanctification.
Each year, Benedict and Scholastica met to discuss their way of life and the various spiritual challenges in the two religious houses. Since women were not allowed to enter his monastery, Benedict and a few companions met her in the guest house at Monte Casino.
One day when Scholastica was very ill, her brother came to visit her at the convent. They spent the day singing psalms and speaking about the spiritual life, its compensations and challenges. When evening came, they sat down to supper and continued the conversation until quite late. Strict orders of the monastery only allowed one day for a monk to visit his family and never allowed him to stay away overnight.
After a delightful day of visiting, Scholastica asked her brother to stay the night since she was afraid that she would not live until his next visit. Benedict, an obedient monk, would not hear of such a thing. Legend has it that Scholastica folded her hands in prayer. When she looked up a minute later, lightning flashed in the sky, thunder roared ominously, and such a downpour of rain began that Benedict and his monks could not safely leave the house. Realizing what had happened, Benedict reproached her: "What have you done, my sister?” Scholastica answered simply, "I asked a favor of you, and you refused to listen to me. So I asked my God, and He, more generous than you, granted my request”.
In the days that ensued, Scholastica became weaker and finally succumbed to the illness. Three days later St. Benedict saw in a vision his sister "ascending to heaven in the form of a dove." He interpreted this event to mean that his sister had died, and her soul had gone to heaven. The white dove is a symbol of her purity. He had her remains brought to his monastery to be buried there.
Saint Scholastica was outstanding for her simplicity and faith. She spoke to God directly, in reverent familiarity, without complex or elaborate ritual. As an abbess, Saint Scholastica instilled in her sisters the necessity of living in accordance with the great Benedictine aim: "That in all things God may be glorified.” The Benedictine sisterhoods flourished under Scholastica and through the years to the present day. She demonstrated great faith and felt that it was more important to tend the needs of others than to follow a rule rigidly. Saint Gregory the Great said of Saint Scholastica, "She could do more because she loved more.”
The Benedictine values of prayer, work, study, community, reverence and respect are hallmarks of the life of Saint Scholastica. She is indeed a role model to all of us who are part of the SSA family.
-SaintScholasticaAcademy
Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint José Sánchez del Río
2. Saint Austrebertha of Pavilly
3. Saint Soteris the Martyr
4. Saint Charalampias
5. Saint Trumwin of Whitby
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