Saint Scholastica
Feast Day: February 10

Saint Scholastica was a holy woman who lived in Italy in the sixth century. She is best known as the twin sister of Saint Benedict, the founder of Western monasticism. Scholastica dedicated her life to God from a young age and became a nun. She started a community for women who wanted to serve God through prayer and simple living.
Scholastica and Benedict shared a strong bond as siblings and as followers of Christ. They both valued prayer and serving God above all else. While Benedict led monks and Scholastica led nuns, they supported each other in their work. They met once a year to pray and talk about God.
She is honored as a saint because of her great faith and love for God. One famous story shows how God listened to her prayer when she asked for more time with her brother. Her example reminds us to trust in God and live in love and service to others.
The Church celebrates her feast day on February 10. She is remembered as the patron saint of nuns and storms. Her life inspires people to follow God with faith and joy.
A Childhood Shaped by Faith
Saint Scholastica was born in Italy in the late fifth century. She grew up in the same family as her twin brother, Saint Benedict. Their family was wealthy and respected, but they taught their children to value God above all else. Scholastica and Benedict learned about prayer and the teachings of Christ from a young age.
As twins, Scholastica and Benedict shared a special bond. They spent their early years together and were very close. They both showed an interest in prayer and helping others. Scholastica had a kind and gentle nature. She loved hearing about the stories of the Bible and talking about God.
Even as a young girl, Scholastica felt called to give her life to God. She would spend time alone in prayer. She often gave to the poor and wanted to serve others. Her family noticed that she had a deep desire to live a holy life.
When she was older, Scholastica decided to become a nun. This decision showed her devotion to God. She wanted to dedicate her life to prayer and serving others. Her brother, Benedict, also felt called to a holy life and became a monk.
Though they later lived apart, Scholastica and Benedict always supported each other. They encouraged one another to keep their focus on God. Scholastica’s early years helped prepare her for the life of faith and service she would lead.
Her childhood reminds us that God often begins working in our hearts when we are very young. Scholastica responded to God’s call with faith and love, even in her early years.
Building a Home for Prayer and Service
Saint Scholastica wanted to serve God with her whole life. She knew that many women felt the same call. To help them, she started a monastic community for women. This community gave women a place to pray, work, and live for God.
She followed the example of her brother, Saint Benedict. Benedict had written a guide called the Rule of Saint Benedict. This rule showed monks how to live together in peace and serve God. Scholastica used the same ideas in her community. She wanted the women to live simply, pray often, and care for one another.
In the monastery, prayer was the most important part of the day. The women prayed at regular times, just like the monks. They also worked to support the community by farming, cooking, and caring for others. Scholastica taught the women to see their daily work as a way to serve God.
Scholastica and Benedict both believed that living in community helped people grow closer to God. In her monastery, Scholastica created a loving and peaceful place. The women lived like a family, helping each other and praying together.
Her work showed that women had an important role in the Church. She helped many women live holy lives by following the teachings of Christ. Her monastery became a model for other communities of nuns.
Her leadership reminds us that all people, no matter their role, can serve God fully. Scholastica’s community was a light for many women who wanted to dedicate their lives to prayer and service.
The Storm of Love and Faith
Saint Scholastica and Saint Benedict met once a year to talk about God and pray together. Since they lived in separate communities, this yearly meeting was very special. They would spend the whole day sharing their thoughts and encouraging each other in their faith.
During their final meeting, she asked Benedict to stay longer. She wanted to spend more time talking about God. Benedict said he could not stay because his rule required him to return to the monastery. Scholastica felt sad, but she trusted in God to help her.
She bowed her head and prayed quietly. Soon, a strong storm began. It rained so hard that Benedict could not leave. He realized that Scholastica’s prayer had brought the storm. Smiling, he said, “Sister, what have you done?” She answered, “I asked you, and you would not listen. So I asked God, and He did.”
Her brother asked, “What have you done?”, and Scholastica answered, “I asked you and you would not listen; so I asked my God and he did listen. So now go off, if you can; leave me and return to your monastery.”
The storm allowed them to spend the rest of the night talking and praying together. Scholastica was filled with joy. She knew this would be the last time they would see each other on earth. A few days later, she passed away. Benedict saw her soul rising to heaven like a dove.
This story shows Scholastica’s strong faith and trust in God. She loved her brother deeply, but she loved God even more. Her prayer reminds us that God listens to the prayers of those who love Him.
The meeting of Scholastica and Benedict is remembered as a moment of love, faith, and trust in God. It teaches us to turn to God in all things and believe that He hears us.
A Lasting Light for Nuns and Storms
Saint Scholastica passed away a few days after her final meeting with Saint Benedict. Her brother buried her in the tomb he had prepared for himself. They were laid to rest together, just as they had lived their lives serving God side by side.
After her death, many people began to honor Scholastica as a saint. Benedictine monks and nuns especially loved her example of prayer and faith. They spread her story and prayed for her intercession. Her holiness inspired others to live with the same trust in God.
Saint Scholastica is the patron saint of nuns and storms. She is remembered for her faithful prayer that brought the storm during her last visit with Benedict. People pray to her for protection during bad weather and for help in living a life of prayer.
The Church celebrates her feast day on February 10. On this day, Catholics remember her love for God and her example of holy living. Many Benedictine communities hold special prayers and Masses in her honor.
Her life reminds us of the power of faith and prayer. She showed that anyone who trusts in God can do great things for Him. Her legacy continues in the lives of those who follow her example today.
Lessons of Faith and Love
Saint Scholastica’s life teaches us how important it is to trust in God. She believed that God would take care of her needs and answer her prayers. When she prayed during her final meeting with her brother, she trusted that God would help her. Her example reminds us to pray with faith and rely on God’s will.
She also teaches us about the power of love. She loved her brother deeply, but she also loved God above all else. Her love for God gave her strength to live a life of prayer and service. Modern Catholics can learn from her example by making love the center of their lives—love for God and for others.
Her dedication to prayer shows us how to stay close to God. Scholastica spent her life in prayer, both in private and with her community. She teaches us to make time for prayer each day, no matter how busy we are. Prayer helps us listen to God and follow His plan for our lives.
Scholastica’s life encourages us to trust in God’s will, even when it is different from our own. She trusted that God would provide what was best for her and her community. By following her example, we can learn to accept God’s plan with faith and peace.
Finally, she reminds us that a simple life can be a holy life. She lived humbly, focusing on prayer, work, and love for others. Modern Catholics can follow her example by living simply and putting God first in everything they do.
Her story is a guide for living a faithful and loving life. Saint Scholastica’s lessons are timeless and can help us grow closer to God in our daily lives.
Daily Mass Readings for the Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin
- First Reading – Song of Songs 8:6-7: Love is described as unyielding and passionate, a force not even death or vast waters can quench. Offering wealth for love is deemed contemptible, underscoring love’s priceless value and indomitable nature.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 148: Let everything in heaven and earth, from angels to nations and all generations, praise the Lord’s exalted name, for He is the glory and strength of His people.
- Gospel – Luke 10:38-42: In a village, Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, but became distressed by her tasks, while her sister Mary listened to Jesus. Martha’s plea for help led Jesus to highlight the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment, as Mary had, which he deemed the better choice, not to be taken from her.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
Reflection: Following Saint Scholastica’s Example
Saint Scholastica’s life shows how anyone can grow closer to God by trusting Him and living with love. She dedicated herself to prayer and service, making God the center of her life. This reminds us to set aside time to pray and to care for others. Like Scholastica, we can look for ways to make our work and daily tasks acts of love for God.
Her faith in God’s power is inspiring. When Scholastica prayed for the storm to keep her brother with her, she showed complete trust in God. She teaches us to turn to God with our needs, no matter how big or small. God always hears us and knows what is best for us.
Scholastica’s love for her brother and her community shows how important it is to live in love. Her life reminds us to cherish the people around us and help them grow closer to God. Whether in our families, at work, or with friends, we are called to live in peace and love with others.
Finally, Scholastica shows us that a simple life can be full of joy and holiness. She didn’t seek riches or fame but chose to serve God in humble ways. We can learn to focus less on material things and more on what truly matters—our relationship with God and the way we treat others.
Reflection Questions:
- How can I make more time for prayer in my life?
- Do I trust God with my worries and needs?
- How can I show more love to the people in my life?
- What simple ways can I serve God each day?
Resources
The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica
“The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica” by Kathleen Norris, illustrated by Tomie dePaola, presents a captivating story of the sixth-century twins, Benedict and Scholastica. The narrative, suitable for children aged 4-8, details their upbringing in Nursia, Italy, and their separate paths to spiritual devotion. Benedict, repelled by Rome’s corruption, becomes a hermit and later founds the Benedictine order, while Scholastica embraces monastic life in a convent, supporting her brother through prayer. The book blends miraculous stories with a summary of the Rule of St. Benedict, complemented by dePaola’s elegant artwork that emphasizes their humanity over saintliness.
Social Media Graphics

So now go off, if you can; leave me and return to your monastery.
Questions and Answers
Who is Saint Scholastica?
Saint Scholastica was a nun and the twin sister of Saint Benedict. She is known for her deep faith and dedication to prayer.
Where was Saint Scholastica born?
She was born in Italy in the late fifth century.
What did Saint Scholastica do?
She started a monastic community for women, helping them live a life of prayer and service to God.
How is Saint Scholastica connected to Saint Benedict?
She was Saint Benedict’s twin sister. They supported each other in their work for God.
What is Saint Scholastica known for?
She is known for her great faith and for a prayer that caused a storm during her last meeting with Saint Benedict.
What is the feast day of Saint Scholastica?
Her feast day is February 10.
Why is Saint Scholastica the patron saint of storms?
She is the patron saint of storms because of the story where her prayer caused a storm to keep Saint Benedict with her.
Why is Saint Scholastica important to nuns?
She is the patron saint of nuns. She created a monastery for women and lived a life of prayer and dedication.
Where is Saint Scholastica buried?
She is buried near Saint Benedict at Monte Cassino in Italy.
What can we learn from Saint Scholastica?
We can learn to trust God, love others, and live a simple, prayerful life like she did.
What are the Mass readings for the Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin?
First Reading – Song of Songs 8:6-7: The Power of Love
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 148: Universal Praise to the Lord
Gospel – Luke 10:38-42: Mary and Martha’s Lesson
A Faithful Sister and Leader
Saint Scholastica was born in Italy in the late fifth century. She was the twin sister of Saint Benedict, the founder of Western monasticism. From a young age, Scholastica showed her love for God and chose to dedicate her life to prayer and service.
Scholastica started a monastic community for women. She followed the teachings of her brother and used the Rule of Saint Benedict to guide her community. The women lived simple lives filled with prayer, work, and care for one another. Scholastica’s leadership helped many women grow closer to God.
She is remembered for her strong faith, especially during her last meeting with Saint Benedict. When he could not stay longer, she prayed, and a storm kept him there. This moment showed her trust in God. Scholastica passed away shortly after this meeting and was buried near her brother at Monte Cassino.
Saint Scholastica is the patron saint of nuns and storms. Her feast day is February 10. She reminds us to trust God, love others, and live a simple and prayerful life.
Your Turn
Saint Scholastica’s story is inspiring and full of lessons for our lives. Take time to learn more about her faith, prayer, and love for God. Think about how her example can guide your own life. What stands out to you most about her story?
Share your thoughts in the comment section. Let’s encourage each other to live with faith and love, just as she did.
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