St. Benedict and St. Scholastica

The twins Benedict and Scholastica were born in 480 in the gentle village of Norcia, Italy, to noble Catholic parents.

According to the custom of their time, Benedict was sent away to Rome for study at a young age. However, fearing the safety of his soul, Benedict fled Rome and went into the Sabine Mountains southwest of Rome desiring to become a monk. Benedict lived in a cave at Subiaco as a hermit for three years. During this time the Spirit guided his soul while his physical needs were cared for by a neighboring monk, Romanus.

Eventually, Benedict became well known in the area and men asked to be under his direction. Benedict founded 12 monasteries there; he became a loving father and teacher to the monks. After these monasteries became well established Benedict felt the Lord drawing him through life circumstances to move to Monte Cassino south of Subiaco. It was here he became a legend; he wrote his Rule and laid the groundwork for the Benedictine lifestyle. We know that Benedict became radiant with the Spirit of God and was given the grace to understand deeply into the hearts of people. Benedict cured both heart and soul of those who came to him. One of his great contributions was the structure of community prayer he established, known as the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours.

Little is know of St. Scholastica, but what we do know tells us she was a woman of great faith and love. She too was called by God to live a religious life. It appears she eventually lived nearby Monte Cassino; every year she made a trip to visit Benedict. On their final visit she tries to sway her brother to remain longer to visit through the night about the goodness of God but he refused. She then bowed her head in prayer and a great thunderstorm broke out which prevented her brother's departure. She simply told her brother, "I asked you and you did not hear me, so I asked my God and he heard my prayer." The biographer, Gregory the Great , writes, "She received more because she loved more."

A few days later, on February 10, Benedict saw his sister's soul ascend to heaven in the form of a dove. It was on March 21 of the same year (ca. 547) that Benedict died in the oratory with his arms held up by his brother monks.

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