Today is the liturgical feast of St. Scholastica, traditionally known as the twin sister of St. Benedict of Norcia (Umbria, Italy). There is a beautiful anecdote recounted by no less than Pope Gregory the Great narrating how St. Scholastica overpowered her brother St. Benedict by virtue of her loving prayerful intercession. Read full story here.St. Scholastica is also the patron Saint of my Congregation, the Disciples of the Divine Master. In fact, we celebrate the 87th anniversary of foundation today. And we have our own Mother M. Scholastica to present to the world. She was the first Disciple chosen by the Founder, Blessed James Alberione, to collaborate with him in bringing to life the third-born institute in the Pauline Family. Mother M. Scholastica had to suffer much for this calling and mission but she retained a bright, beautiful disposition in everything.
Her secret, I guess, is this very conscious choice of never considering herself a victim. Without denying the difficulties, she courageously crossed the desert of transformation in order that our religious family could have its rightful identity in the Church. In the face of misunderstanding, to the point of being removed from office and exiled from her community, she chose not to complain but to “offer” everything. She has learned to place herself in God’s hands in everything for she knew well that no matter how far she falls, she won’t fall out of those gentle, loving hands.If you want to know more about her, you can browse the pages of this book
