St. Scholastica Feast Day: Prayer, Trust, and Holy Friendship

The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Scholastica every year on February 10th. She is probably best known as the twin sister of St. Benedict, but her life and legacy stand on their own as a profound testament to faith, prayer, and the power of holy friendship.

As we reflect on her life, we can draw valuable lessons on the importance of prayer, trusting in God, and cultivating spiritual relationships.

Who Was St. Scholastica?

St. Scholastica was born in Italy around the year 480 and was the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia. From an early age, she dedicated her life to God, embracing a life of prayer and devotion. While much of what we know about her comes from St. Gregory the Great’s “Dialogues,” (affiliate) her influence on monastic life and spiritual discipline is undeniable:

Following her brother’s example, St. Scholastica established a religious community of women, likely near Monte Cassino, where St. Benedict had founded his monastery. She followed the Rule of St. Benedict (affiliate), emphasizing prayer, work, and community life. Her deep spirituality and commitment to God made her a beacon of holiness and a model for consecrated religious women.

The Famous Meeting of St. Scholastica and St. Benedict

One of the most well-known stories about St. Scholastica highlights the power of prayer and the deep spiritual bond she shared with her brother.

Each year, St. Scholastica and St. Benedict would meet to discuss spiritual matters and strengthen their relationship in Christ. Since Scholastica lived in a convent and Benedict in his monastery, their visits were rare but deeply meaningful. During their final meeting, Scholastica sensed that her time on earth was nearing an end. She begged her brother to stay with her longer so they could continue their holy conversation about God.

However, St. Benedict, always strict in following monastic rules, insisted that he had to return to his monastery before nightfall. In response, St. Scholastica turned to the most powerful force she knew—prayer. She fervently prayed to God, and almost immediately, a violent storm arose, preventing Benedict and his monks from leaving.

Realizing that this was God’s will, St. Benedict stayed with his sister that night, and they spent the time in deep conversation about heaven. Just three days later, St. Scholastica passed away, and St. Benedict had a vision of her soul ascending to heaven in the form of a dove. Deeply moved, he buried her in the tomb he had prepared for himself, signifying their eternal unity in Christ.

Lessons from St. Scholastica

1. The Power of Prayer

St. Scholastica’s unwavering faith in prayer teaches us that when we lift our hearts to God in trust, He responds in ways beyond our understanding. Even when logic or human limitations say something is impossible, God’s power can intervene.

Reflection: Do I turn to prayer with the same confidence as St. Scholastica? When faced with challenges, do I seek God’s intervention before relying on my own strength?

2. Holy Friendships Lead Us Closer to God

The relationship between St. Scholastica and St. Benedict was deeply rooted in Christ. Their conversations were not about trivial matters but about spiritual growth and the journey to heaven.

Reflection: Who are the people in my life that help me grow closer to God? Do I cultivate friendships that encourage virtue and holiness?

3. Surrendering to God’s Will

St. Scholastica desired to spend time with her brother, but it was ultimately God’s will that determined the outcome. Rather than resisting, she entrusted her heart’s longing to the Lord, and He provided in a miraculous way.

Reflection: Do I surrender my desires to God, trusting that He will provide for me in ways far greater than I can imagine?

4. A Call to the Contemplative Life

Although not everyone is called to the religious life, St. Scholastica’s example reminds us of the beauty of silence, prayer, and contemplation. In a world filled with noise and distractions, making time for God is essential.

Reflection: How can I incorporate more moments of silence and prayer into my daily life? Do I make time to simply be with God?

Honoring St. Scholastica on Her Feast Day

The feast of St. Scholastica is a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith. Here are a few meaningful ways to celebrate her life:

1. Pray for Monastic Vocations

St. Scholastica played a key role in early monasticism, and her feast day is an excellent time to pray for those called to religious life. Consider offering a prayer for monks and nuns who dedicate their lives to prayer and service.

2. Spend Extra Time in Prayer

Since prayer was central to St. Scholastica’s life, take time today to deepen your own prayer life. Whether through the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary, or silent meditation, dedicate this day to spiritual renewal.

3. Reflect on Holy Friendships

Spend time with a close friend discussing matters of faith, just as St. Scholastica and St. Benedict did. Share your spiritual journey, pray together, or read Scripture as a way to grow in holiness.

4. Meditate on God’s Providence

The story of the miraculous storm reminds us that God works in mysterious ways. Take a moment to journal about times in your life when God’s providence was evident, even if you didn’t recognize it at the time.

5. Read the Rule of St. Benedict

Since St. Scholastica followed her brother’s rule, reading passages from the Rule of St. Benedict can provide insight into the foundations of monastic spirituality and how they apply to everyday life.

Conclusion: A Life That Points to Heaven

St. Scholastica’s life was one of devotion, prayer, and trust in God. She reminds us that prayer has power, holy friendships are a gift, and surrendering to God’s will leads to peace. As we celebrate her feast day, let us ask for her intercession, that we too may grow in faith, persevere in prayer, and one day share in the eternal joy of heaven.

St. Scholastica, pray for us!

Online References:

1. Catholic Online: Offers a detailed account of St. Scholastica’s life, her relationship with St. Benedict, and her contributions to monasticism. catholic.org
2. Being Benedictine: Explores the spiritual bond between St. Scholastica and St. Benedict, emphasizing the value of spiritual friendships. beingbenedictine.com
3. Missio Dei: Discusses the significance of St. Scholastica’s feast day, highlighting her role in the Benedictine tradition and her dedication to God. missiodeicatholic.org