wo of the most well-known
figures of the late Patristic period, Saint Benedict of Nursia and his sister, Saint Scholastica, are regarded by both the Church and many scholars of the period as key figures in early Christian monasticism.
But who were they? Scholastica, in particular, is subjected to a great deal of scrutiny, as little contemporary proof of her existence has been found. Both of the holy twins, as they were born on the same day in the year 480 in a little town in the rugged, central Italian highlands of Umbria, are mentioned by Pope Saint Gregory the Great in his four volume Dialogues, but we know little beyond that.
Although revered in the Church today, what do we really know about this holy brother and sister who served God so faithfully?
Benedict & Scholastica
By Bill Schulz
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