Monday, 10 February, Benedictines celebrate the admirable life of Saint Scholastica of Nursia. Her twin brother, Saint Benedict, is the Patriarch of Western Monasticism.
"Whether or not the great Patriarch established a nunnery, it is certain that in a short time he was looked upon as a guide and father to the many convents already existing. His rule was almost universally adopted by them, and with it the title Abbess came into general use to designate the superior of a convent of nuns" (Cath. Encyclopedia).
Pope Saint Gregory, in Chapter 33 of Book II of his Dialogues, tells the story of the last meeting between the two siblings. He uses it to teach a lesson in the efficacy of prayer and the primacy of love. The visit Benedict made to his sister suggests that their monasteries were not far distant. Such has remained the pattern, and many Brother/Sister monasteries are geographically close. Through collaboration in the apostolate and in prayer, men and women Benedictines support each other in fidelity to the Holy Rule.
In the next chapter of the Dialogues, Gregory recounts how three days later Benedict, "lifting up his eyes to heaven, beheld the soul of his sister that had departed her body ascend into heaven in the likeness of a dove." He gave orders that they both should be buried at Monte Cassino. Saint Benedict was soon thereafter laid to rest beside her in the crypt of Monte Cassino Abbey. "As their souls had always been one in God while they lived, so their bodies continued together after their deaths."
http://www.osb.org/new/current.html
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PAX
Minster Abbey Ramsgate |
Please pray for the repose of the soul of our dear
Sister Maria Anna Concordia (Caroline) Scott OSB
who died peacefully, fortified by the Rites of the Holy Church
on the Feast of St. Agatha, 5th February 2014
in her 90th year
and the 59th year of her Monastic Profession.
SAINT BENEDICT
“Father of Europe”
Sculpted by
Sr. Concordia Scott O.S.B.
Minster Abbey
1980.
Note
from Sr. Concordia, March 1980,
to Abbot at Nunraw.
to Abbot at Nunraw.
The medallion on St. Benededict’s neck
is the symbol for European Unity
A very happy Feastday to you and good
community on 21st March
Yours in Christ
Sr. Concordia Scott O.S.B
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