Saint Scholastica

Feast Day
February 10

Patron Saint of
Perseverance in Prayer

St Scholastica is an inspiration to those of us who pray for the return of a prodigal loved one.  Her confidence in God’s power and willingness to listen, the strength of her faith, and her great love for her brother give us an example of how to pray with determination and resolve.  We pray until…  We don’t know until when.  We just pray as long as it takes.  Benedict wanted to follow the letter of the law that said he must return to his cell for the night.  In her strong love, Scholastica prayed for a miracle that might adjust that law, and received it. 

Who is St Scholastica?

Little is known about St Scholastica other than she was the sister of St Benedict and a prayerful, loving person.  A story is told of their two group’s meeting, as they apparently did each year, in a place at the base of the hill upon which Benedict’s Monte Cassino stood.  When he decided it was time to leave, Scholastica asked her brother to remain through the night so they might continue their talk of heaven.  In reply, Benedict said the law of his order would not permit it.  At his words, Scholastica began to weep and lay her head upon her hands to pray.  When she raised her head a huge storm blew in with torrents of rain, lightning and thunder so severe that Benedict and his party could not go home.  Benedict was dismayed and said, “My sister, what have you done?”
     Scholastica replied, “You would not listen to me and grant my request, so I asked my God and He answered my prayer.  Benedict remained and the two talked until dawn.
     It was to be their last hours together.  A few days later, Benedict looked out his window in the monastery and saw his sister’s soul ascending to heaven in the form of a dove.  He brought her to the monastery for burial in his own tomb.

Prayer for Trust in Times of Doubt

God grant to those who pray for loved ones the grace of a loving, fiathful heart and an enduring spirit that remains strong through doubts and hardships, heartaches and disappointments.  Grant us the wisdom to know that you will never forsake us or those we love.  Through the intercession of St Scholastica, and in the name of Jesus, we place them in your hands. Amen.