Today we celebrate the feast of St. Scholastica twin sister of St. Benedict.
Benedict was studying in Rome when he heard God calling him to devote all of his life to serving God. He organized several communities of monks who also felt called to religious life. The most famous of Benedict’s monasteries was at Monte Cassino, in Italy.
His sister, Scholastica also felt called to the religious life, and the two siblings helped each other start a community for religious women about five miles south of Benedict’s monastery.
Because they were so dedicated to their holy way of life, they were only able to visit together once a year, and only for a short while, for they both had to return to their communities according to their rule of life.
One year, they met at a residence half way between their two communities to spend the day praying and speaking of God and the spiritual life.
When Benedict said he had to return to the monastery, Scholastica begged him to stay and talk awhile longer. Benedict refused, saying that his rule required that the monks be in their monastery at night. Heartbroken, Scholastica folded her hands, put her head on the table, and quietly wept and prayed. As she prayed, a storm began, so terrible that no one could venture out. "What have you done?" Benedict exclaimed to his sister. She explained that since he had refused the favor, she had turned to God instead, and God granted it. Benedict and Scholastica continued their conversation and prayer until morning. And then both returned to their monastery.
Three days later, Scholastica died, and Benedict found himself grateful for the power of her prayers to direct the weather, even if it was against his will.
During my recent trip to Florida, I found myself invoking Scholastica for better weather than the grey January cold sweeping the state. The sun did peek through the clouds a few times.
In his account of the story of Benedict and Scholastica, St. Gregory the Great said, “Since God is love, then surely he can do more who loves more.” Scholastica, due to her great love for God and family was able to do something truly miraculous, but when we are motivated by love, we are able to do things beyond our normal inclinations.
We are able to help calm the storms of people’s lives and lead them to the peace of God.
May St. Scholastica pray for us, that we may be animated by the love of God and neighbor for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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Trusting in the intercession of St. Scholastica, who was filled with love for God and neighbor, let us bring our prayers before the Lord.
For the Church: That all parishes and religious communities, may be places of deep prayer, holiness, and service to God
For siblings and families: family members may support one another in faith and grow together in God’s grace.
For those suffering through storms—whether physical storms or the storms of life: That they may find calm and hope through the loving intercessions of the saints and the nearness of God.
For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for all the souls in purgatory, and for N….
Loving Father, You granted St. Scholastica the gift of deep prayer and unwavering trust in Your love. May her example inspire us to seek You with all our hearts, that we may live lives of holiness and charity. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
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