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 Twins often
share the same interests and ideas with an equal intensity. Therefore, it is
no surprise that Scholastica and her twin brother, Benedict, both
established religious communities within a few miles from each other.
Born in 480 of wealthy parents, Scholastica and Benedict were brought up
together until he left for Rome to continue his studies.
Little is known of Scholastica's early life. She founded a religious
community for women near Monte Cassino at Plombariola, five miles from where
her brother governed a monastery.
The twins visited each other once a year in a farmhouse because Scholastica
was not permitted inside the monastery. They spent these times discussing
spiritual matters.
According to the Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great, the brother and sister
spent their last day together in prayer and conversation. Scholastica sensed
her death was close at hand and she begged Benedict to stay with her until
the next day.
He refused her request because he did not want to spend a night outside the
monastery, thus breaking his own Rule. Scholastica asked God to let her
brother remain and a severe thunderstorm broke out, preventing Benedict and
his monks from returning to the abbey.
Benedict cried out, "God forgive you, Sister. What have you done?"
Scholastica replied, "I asked a favor of you and you refused. I asked it of
God and he granted it."
Brother and sister parted the next morning after their long discussion.
Three days later, Benedict was praying in his monastery and saw the soul of
his sister rising heavenward in the form of a white dove. Benedict then
announced the death of his sister to the monks and later buried her in the
tomb he had prepared for himself.
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