She was born in Nursia in Umbria in Italy and was the twin sister of St. Benedict.
St. Benedict was the father of Monasticism in Wester Europe. The Benedictine Order which he founded was instrumental in great part for the conversion of Western Europe in what are often called ‘the dark ages’.
At an early age she entered a convent joining a Benedictine Order for women. The Benedictine motto is ‘Ora et Labora’, i.e., pray and work.
She became Abbess, and even though very busy, she was able to keep to this motto.
Benedict had set the rule for the Order. She saw it as her duty to keep it faithfully, cheerfully, as her community path to holiness.
She had a strong yet simple faith. She spoke to God directly, in reverent familiarity, without complex or elaborate rituals. Her aim was that ‘in all things God may be glorified’. She always wanted to be guided by love and not by rigid adherence to rules. That does not mean that she ignored the rules, but rather that all was governed by love.
The hallmarks of the Sisters that she helped found are prayer, work, study, community, reverence, and respect. She lived by these hallmarks and to this day has inspired others to do the same.
These values are important and helpful to all of us, not just for Benedictine nuns or monks.
They are a way of combining contemplation and action.
Some years ago, the great Catholic Jesuit Theologian, Karl Rahner SJ, said that unless the modern-day Christian became a contemplative, they would not be able to remain a Christian.
Scholastica, Benedict, and the Benedictine communities in our time, are a great reminder to us all of helps to Christian living for our time.
Spend some time in prayer every day.
Connect with Christian community.
Have a deep respect for others.
Work is a way of making love visible.
Keep a joyful spirit.
Do not lose sight of gratitude in your life.
Do all for the glory of God.
