About St. Scholastica
St. Scholastica (c. 480–543) was the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia, the founder of Western monasticism. From an early age, she consecrated her life to God, embracing a vocation of prayer, purity, and contemplation. She founded a community of Benedictine women near Monte Cassino, where she faithfully served Christ through a life of holiness.
The most famous event in her life occurred during her final meeting with St. Benedict. Desiring to continue speaking about God, she prayed that he would remain with her a little longer. God answered her prayer by sending a powerful storm that prevented him from leaving. Three days later, St. Benedict saw her soul ascend to heaven in the form of a dove, a sign of her purity and eternal joy with God.
St. Scholastica is honored as the patron saint of Benedictine nuns, education, convulsive disorders, and protection against storms and rain. Her life reminds us that sincere prayer offered with love is powerful before God.
Her feast day is celebrated on February 10.
Who was St. Scholastica?
St. Scholastica was a sixth-century virgin and religious sister who dedicated her life entirely to God. She was the twin sister of St. Benedict and is remembered for her holiness, humility, and powerful life of prayer.
What is St. Scholastica the patron saint of?
St. Scholastica is the patron saint of:
- Benedictine nuns
- Education
- Convulsive disorders
- Protection against storms and rain
- Those seeking a deeper prayer life
What is the St. Scholastica Novena for?
The St. Scholastica Novena is prayed to ask for her intercession for:
- Growth in holiness
- Peace of mind and heart
- Purity and chastity
- Wisdom and discernment
- Faithful religious vocations
- Protection during storms
- Special personal intentions
When should I pray the St. Scholastica Novena?
You may pray the novena at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it on February 1, finishing on her feast day, February 10.
How do you pray the St. Scholastica Novena?
Pray the novena prayer each day for nine consecutive days. After praying the opening prayer, present your personal intention, then conclude with:
- Pray One: Our Father…
- Pray One: Hail Mary…
- Pray One: Glory Be…
Why is St. Scholastica often pictured with a dove?
According to St. Gregory the Great, after St. Scholastica died, St. Benedict saw her soul ascending to heaven in the form of a dove. The dove symbolizes her purity, holiness, and entrance into eternal life with God.
What can we learn from St. Scholastica?
St. Scholastica teaches us the power of faithful prayer, trust in God’s will, humility, and love. Her life reminds us that a sincere heart devoted to God is stronger than any earthly obstacle.
What is the relationship between St. Scholastica and St. Benedict?
St. Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia. Both dedicated their lives to God and became important figures in the history of Western monasticism. Their annual spiritual meetings reflect the importance of holy friendship and encouragement in the Christian life.
When is the feast day of St. Scholastica?
The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Scholastica each year on February 10.
| Novena Begins: | February 1 |
| Feast Day: | February 10 |
Day 1 – St. Scholastica Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, to show us where innocence leads, You made the soul of Your virgin, St. Scholastica, soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant, through her merits and prayers, that we may so live in innocence as to attain everlasting joy.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Scholastica, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Scholastica Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, to show us where innocence leads, You made the soul of Your virgin, St. Scholastica, soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant, through her merits and prayers, that we may so live in innocence as to attain everlasting joy.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Scholastica, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Scholastica Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, to show us where innocence leads, You made the soul of Your virgin, St. Scholastica, soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant, through her merits and prayers, that we may so live in innocence as to attain everlasting joy.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Scholastica, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Scholastica Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, to show us where innocence leads, You made the soul of Your virgin, St. Scholastica, soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant, through her merits and prayers, that we may so live in innocence as to attain everlasting joy.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Scholastica, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Scholastica Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, to show us where innocence leads, You made the soul of Your virgin, St. Scholastica, soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant, through her merits and prayers, that we may so live in innocence as to attain everlasting joy.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Scholastica, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Scholastica Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, to show us where innocence leads, You made the soul of Your virgin, St. Scholastica, soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant, through her merits and prayers, that we may so live in innocence as to attain everlasting joy.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Scholastica, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Scholastica Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, to show us where innocence leads, You made the soul of Your virgin, St. Scholastica, soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant, through her merits and prayers, that we may so live in innocence as to attain everlasting joy.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Scholastica, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Scholastica Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, to show us where innocence leads, You made the soul of Your virgin, St. Scholastica, soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant, through her merits and prayers, that we may so live in innocence as to attain everlasting joy.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Scholastica, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Scholastica Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, to show us where innocence leads, You made the soul of Your virgin, St. Scholastica, soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant, through her merits and prayers, that we may so live in innocence as to attain everlasting joy.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Scholastica, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…