Saint Scholastica and Her Litany Prayer

Saint Scholastica

Saint Scholastica was a Christian saint, born in Italy around 480 AD. She is known primarily as the twin sister of Saint Benedict of Nursia, who is considered the founder of Western Christian monasticism. Scholastica herself is the patron saint of nuns, convocations, and against storms. In this post I will share some brief highlights of her history, as well as a litany prayer.

Saint Scholastica: key points about her life

  1. Early Life: Scholastica was born in Nursia, Italy, into a noble family. She and her brother Benedict were raised together until Benedict left home to pursue a religious life.
  2. Monastic Life: Scholastica founded a convent near Monte Cassino, where Benedict had established his monastery. She lived a life dedicated to prayer and contemplation, similar to her brother’s monastic rule, although it’s not certain if she formally adopted the Benedictine Rule.
  3. Famous Encounter: The most well-known story about Scholastica involves her last meeting with Benedict. They would meet once a year at a house near his monastery. During their final meeting, Scholastica asked Benedict to stay longer to continue their spiritual conversation. When Benedict refused, citing the Rule against staying away from the monastery, Scholastica prayed for a storm to prevent his departure. The storm came, and they continued talking through the night. This story underscores the power of prayer and the bond of love over strict adherence to rules.
  4. Death: Scholastica died shortly after this encounter, around 543 AD. According to tradition, Benedict saw her soul ascend to heaven in the form of a dove, which is why she is often depicted with a dove.
  5. Legacy: Her feast day is observed on February 10 in the Roman Catholic Church. She is venerated not only for her sanctity but also as an early model of female monasticism. The Benedictine Order honors her as one of its key figures.

Her life story, while not as extensively documented as her brother’s, highlights her importance in the early Christian monastic tradition and her role in promoting a life of prayer and service.

Saint Scholastica
Saint Scholastica

Litany Prayer of Saint Scholastica:

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,

have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit,

have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God,

have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, devout servant of Christ,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, beloved twin sister of Saint Benedict,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, model of purity and piety,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, devoted to a life of prayer,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, who found joy in the presence of God,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, whose faith moved mountains,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, who trusted in the power of prayer,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, who was blessed with heavenly visions,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, whose love for God knew no bounds,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, intercessor for peace and harmony,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, protector of families,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, healer of wounded relationships,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, patroness of spiritual growth,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, guide of consecrated souls,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, comforter of the sorrowful,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, model of holy friendship,

pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, who now rejoices in Heaven,

pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us.

Pray for us, O holy Saint Scholastica,

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, You filled the heart of Saint Scholastica with deep faith, love, and devotion. Through her powerful intercession, grant that we may grow in holiness, strengthen our families in faith and unity, and always seek You in our lives. May we learn from her trust in prayer and surrender ourselves fully to Your divine will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Conclusion

If you would like to follow along and pray the Litany of Saint Scholastica in a virtual prayer, please check out our YouTube video of this prayer, found here at this link: Litany of Saint Scholastica.

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