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Missionary Benedictine Sisters
Immaculata
Monastery & Spirituality Center
Norfolk, NE
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Life of Saints
Benedict and Scholastica
The twins Benedict and Scholastica were born in 480 in
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 southeast 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 known 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
tried 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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Seek first the Kingdom of heaven and His way of holiness,
and all these things will be given you. Matthew 6:33
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Missionary Benedictine Sisters
Immaculata Monastery & Spirituality Center, 300 N. 18th St. Norfolk, Nebraska 68701 USA
Phone: 402-371-3438
E-mail: skhermsen@conpoint.com
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