Feast Day of St. Scholastica

Most people are familiar with St. Benedict because the Benedictine order and monasteries bear his name. St. Scholastica was St. Benedict’s twin sister. They lived in the 5th century. At an early age, Scholastica entered a convent joining a Benedictine order for women. St. Scholastica was outstanding for her simplicity and faith. She spoke to God directly, in reverent familiarity, without complex or elaborate ritual. As an abbess, St. Scholastica instilled in her sisters the necessity of living in accordance with the great Benedictine aim: "That in all things, God may be glorified.” The Benedictine sisterhoods flourished under Scholastica and through the years to the present day. She demonstrated great faith and felt that it was more important to tend the needs of others than to follow a rule rigidly. St. Gregory the Great said of St. Scholastica, "She could do more because she loved more.” The Benedictine values of prayer, work, study, community, reverence and respect are hallmarks of the life of St. Scholastica. Saint Scholastica, pray for us!