Morning Prayer - THURSDAY, 10 Feb 2022

Morning Prayer - February 10, 2022 | Memorial of St. Scholastica, abbess

St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict, was born in 480 of wealthy parents. The twins were brought up together until Benedict left central Italy 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. (Source: Franciscan Media)

****

Begin your mornings in prayer. Follow Thursday's Lauds at ibreviary.com

This daily podcast is brought to you by the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communication.

Music: Deeper Melodies by WTB Records.