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.
ST SCHOLASTICA
Italy, 480-547
FEAST DAY - FEBRUARY 10
Micki,
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice story that was.
That was an interesting bit of History and a touching post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMaryellen
Ed - The credit goes to a friend named Janette for giving me this information.
ReplyDeleteMaryellen - Glad you could come and read this...it was new to me too.
I really like this saint. She is one of my favorites because of the love she had for her brother St. Benedict, her commitment to God, and her beautiful peaceful passing from this world to the next.
ReplyDeleteAlexandra - Yes, a real example for all brothers and sisters.
ReplyDeleteHi Micki,
ReplyDeleteI love this story, I have just learned of the history of St. Gregory the Great through a priest that was visiting me last year...I am glad to hear more about his family. God bless you for your ministry and the beautiful cards you provide, your prayers and information with the cards have blessed me in my prayer time so much. Thank you,
Prayerflowers
Micki,
ReplyDeleteCy and CT love this story! It shows us how powerful God is, that he can intervene in any way pleasing to him, and perhaps, to anyone faithful to him. And truly, his love goes beyond rules man observe.
Prayerflower - I think you might be a bit confused. St. Scholastica's brother is St. Bernard. I believe the information about that particular story came from St. Grogor though so that is why you might have thought they were the "brother and sister." No problem....it's a great story about siblings though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting.
I'm so happy to hear how your girls and you can share these informative posts. You all do such a great job of sharing your love and enthusiasm for God's holy family of friends.
Prayerflower - I think you might be a bit confused. St. Scholastica's brother is St. Bernard. I believe the information about that particular story came from St. Grogor though so that is why you might have thought they were the "brother and sister." No problem....it's a great story about siblings though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting.
Easter - I'm so happy to hear how your girls and you can share these informative posts. You all do such a great job of sharing your love and enthusiasm for God's holy family of friends.
St. Scholastica was the sister of St. Benedict. When Benedict founded the monastery at Monte Cassino, Scholastica settled about five miles to the south at Plombariola where she founded a convent that she headed under the oversight of her brother. Source:
ReplyDeleteVoices of the Saints, Bert Ghezzi, ISBN 0-385-49181-6