Celebrating St. Scholastica: A Model of Prayer, Love, and Faith

After St. Benedict founded his monastery at Monte Cassino, Scholastica established a community for religious women nearby at Plombariola. This community became the first Benedictine monastery for women and laid the groundwork for femal The Storm That Changed Everything

Born in 480 in central Italy, St. Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict, the father of Western monasticism. Together, they played pivotal roles in shaping the Benedictine tradition, emphasizing lives rooted in prayer, contemplation, and community.

After St. Benedict founded his monastery at Monte Cassino, Scholastica established a community for religious women nearby at Plombariola. This community became the first Benedictine monastery for women and laid the groundwork for female monasticism within the Church. Scholastica's leadership and dedication to the Rule of St. Benedict inspired countless women to follow a life devoted to God.

St. Scholastica’s life reminds us of the power of prayer, the beauty of sibling love, and the importance of creating communities that nurture faith and holiness.

The Storm That Changed Everything

One of the most well-loved stories about St. Scholastica is her final meeting with her brother. The siblings met once a year at a farmhouse near their monasteries to pray and share spiritual wisdom. During their last meeting, Scholastica, sensing her death was near, asked Benedict to stay longer. When he refused, bound by his monastic rule, Scholastica turned to God in prayer.

Her prayer was immediately answered: a sudden storm made it impossible for Benedict to leave. St. Gregory the Great recounts that Scholastica gently told her brother, “I asked a favor of you and you refused. I asked it of God and he granted it.”

The siblings spent the night in prayer and conversation. Three days later, Benedict had a vision of Scholastica’s soul ascending to heaven in the form of a dove. She was later buried in Benedict’s tomb, a testament to their inseparable bond in life and in faith.

This story beautifully illustrates the power of prayer and the love of God, who desires to hear our every petition, no matter how big or small.

A Prayer to St. Scholastica

As we honor St. Scholastica, let us lift our hearts in prayer, asking for her intercession to grow in faith and trust in God’s plan for our lives:

O God, to show us where innocence leads, you made the soul of your virgin Saint Scholastica soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant through her merits and her prayers that we may so live in innocence as to attain to joys everlasting.

This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.

Dive Deeper

To learn more about St. Scholastica and her extraordinary life, we’ve created a special playlist dedicated to her. This collection explores her legacy, her bond with St. Benedict, and the story of her final meeting with her brother. Join us as we honor her example of prayer, trust, and love for God.

Listen now on the Tabella App and let St. Scholastica’s story inspire your journey of faith!