Scholastica

Saint Scholastica, the twin sister of Saint Benedict of Nursia, is an emblematic figure of Western monasticism. Born around 480 AD, she consecrated her life to God from an early age. She established a community of nuns at Plombariola, near her brother's monastery at Monte Cassino, marking the birth of Benedictine monasticism for women. Their fraternal bond was deep, and they used to meet once a year at a nearby house to discuss spiritual matters. During their last meeting, according to the account of Saint Gregory the Great, Benedict wished to depart before dawn, but Scholastica fervently prayed to God, and a violent storm erupted, preventing him from leaving. Benedict, displeased, reproached her for her action, but she replied, "I asked my Lord, and He granted me. Now, may your brotherhood be with me." Three days later, she died, and Benedict saw her soul ascend to heaven in the form of a dove. She is buried alongside her brother in Monte Cassino.