Saint Scholastica (c. 480-543) was the twin sister of Saint Benedict of Nursia, founder of the Benedictine order. Dedicating her life to God from an early age, she founded a women's monastery near Monte Cassino in Italy. She followed her brother's monastic rule, emphasizing prayer and contemplation. A famous encounter with Benedict relates that she prayed to prolong their final exchange, and a storm prevented her brother from leaving. Shortly afterward, she died, and Benedict saw her soul ascend to heaven in the form of a dove. She is the patron saint of nuns and of bad weather. Her cult spread to Lorraine and Europe, particularly through the Benedictine order.
