St. Scholastica

Who they were

Nearly everything known of Scholastica comes from one chapter of Gregory the Great's Dialogues, and it is one of the most human scenes in early monastic literature. She was the twin sister of Benedict of Nursia and led a community of religious women near his Monte Cassino. Once a year the two met at a house between their monasteries to talk about God. At their last meeting, sensing she would not see him again, she begged him to stay the night and keep talking. Benedict refused, since his own Rule required him home. So she folded her hands on the table, prayed, and a storm broke so violent that no one could leave until morning. May God forgive you, sister, he said, what have you done? I asked you, she answered, and you would not listen. So I asked my God, and he did. Three days later, from his window, Benedict saw her soul rise, he said, as a dove. He buried her in the tomb prepared for himself.

Why people turn to St. Scholastica

Religious sisters, whose patron she is, and anyone whose love for a person outvoted the rulebook. She is also invoked against storms, for the obvious reason.

How to ask their intercession

For the sisters who taught you, by name if you can remember them. And when a visit with someone you love is ending too soon, she understands that prayer exactly.