St. Scholastica
Feast 02-10 · Canonized pre-congregation
Patron of
About
Scholastica was born in Nursia, Italy, around 480, the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia. Consecrated to God from childhood, she founded a community of nuns near Monte Cassino, living under the rule her brother wrote for monks.
Benedict and Scholastica met once a year at a house between their monasteries to speak of spiritual things. At their final meeting, when Benedict prepared to leave, Scholastica prayed that he might stay, and a sudden storm prevented his departure. She told him, "I asked you and you would not listen; I asked my God and he heard me."
She died three days later, around 543, and Benedict saw her soul ascend to heaven in the form of a dove. She is venerated as the patron saint of nuns and is invoked against storms and rain.
Suggested prayer
O God, who heard the prayer of Scholastica and sent the storm that kept her brother at her side, grant through her intercession that nuns may ask You with the confidence of a child and be kept safe from storms. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
