Scholastica (d. 543), twin sister of Saint Benedict, was born into a good family in Nursia, Italy. Scholastica lived a holy, secluded life before she founded a nunnery, but under Benedict’s direction. She and Benedict met only once a year and only for one day. The last time they met, when Benedict started to leave, Scholastica–believing she was soon to die–objected and begged him to stay. Benedict refused, saying that his Rule obliged him to return to the monastery. Scholastica bent her head and prayed, and a violent storm broke out. A brother to the end, Benedict blamed his sister for the storm and asked what she had done. Scholastica replied, “I asked a favor of you, and you refused it. I asked it of God, and he has granted it.” Since Benedict couldn’t leave, they spent the night talking about holy things and the joys of heaven. When Scholastica died three days later, Benedict is said to have seen a vision of her soul flying up to Heaven like a dove. (Adapted from Saints: Becoming an Image of Christ Every Day of the Year, by Beutner)
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