Siblings

Today is the feast of St. Scholastica, twin sister of St. Benedict (what were their parents doing right?) I love the story of these two, most especially the story of their last encounter on earth:

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.

Isn't that just the story of siblings? If your brother won't do your will, go to a higher authority ;0) How pleased God must have been with the work of these two. How generous He was to insure the last wish of a faithful servant. What a beautiful image of the dove and St. Benedict burying his beloved sister.

We have much to learn from this story...both as siblings and in the act of raising our children as siblings. May we strive to create a bond so loving and strong, bound by dedication to Our Lord.

St. Scholastica, Pray for Us!