As many of us begin to live by the rhythms of the academic calendar in the coming weeks, we thought it would be fitting to celebrate the life of St. Scholastica, a woman known both for her love of prayer and the discussion of important texts.
Much of our knowledge of the life of St. Scholastica comes from the “Dialogues” of St Gregory the Dialogist. We know that she was born about 480 in Nursia, Italy, and was the sister to St. Benedict, founder of the Benedictine Order for monks. Tradition states that she was consecrated by her parents to God at an early age. Joining her brother in her desire to create communities of prayer, hospitality, and service, St. Scholastica established a monastery for women several miles south of St. Benedict’s. Her religious community likely followed rules very similar to St. Benedict’s.
The two of them were very close, and although their monastic communities did not mix, they established a rule that they would meet once a year at a house convenient to both of them. At these meetings, they would have discussions on spiritual matters, sacred texts, and current issues of their day.
St. Scholastica’s love of discussions like these is evident in St. Gregory’s account of the last meeting between the two siblings. After their yearly meeting, the time came for Benedict to leave for Monte Cassino. St. Scholastica begged him to stay longer, so that they could continue their discussions, knowing it might be their last time together. However, Benedict stood firm that he could not break his rule by staying away from his monastery overnight.
In response, Scholastica prayed briefly. Suddenly, a severe storm arose outside their meeting house which made it impossible for Benedict and his companions to leave. Benedict exclaimed, “May Almighty God forgive you, sister, for what you have done!” St. Scholastica replied, “I asked a favor of you and you refused it. I asked it of God, and He has granted it!”
St. Gregory’s "Dialogues" tell us that St. Scholastica reposed three days later, around the year 543. St. Benedict had her body placed in the tomb he had prepared for himself. She accompanies us now as we enter this “scholastic” season as a woman who loved learning, who was eager to seek truth and apply it within the community she led so wisely, and whose humble prayer was enough to open new channels of wisdom for others, including her saintly brother.
Holy mother Scholastica, pray to God for us!
(If anyone knows of a Kontakion or Troparion for St. Scholastica, please let us know!)