Scholastica

About Scholastica

Scholastica was the twin sister of Benedict of Nursia and foundress of Benedictine nuns. She consecrated her life to God from youth and established a monastery for women near Monte Cassino, where her brother founded his famous monastery. Scholastica and Benedict met once yearly to discuss spiritual matters. Gregory the Great records their final meeting: when time came to part, Scholastica begged Benedict to stay longer. He refused, citing his Rule. Scholastica prayed, and a violent storm arose, preventing Benedict from leaving. He protested, "What have you done?" She replied, "I asked you and you would not listen; so I asked my God and he did listen." They spent the night in holy conversation. Three days later, Scholastica died. Benedict saw her soul ascending to heaven as a dove and buried her in the tomb prepared for himself. Scholastica exemplifies contemplative prayer's power and the complementary nature of male and female monasticism in Benedictine tradition.