Benedict and Scholastica, so the story goes, were twins, born to a wealthy Roman family in 480 AD. In his youth, Benedict was sent to Rome 
to study, but was so distressed by the competitive and violent nature of society, and disillusioned by the power plays of the clergy that he left, becoming a hermit in a cave in the countryside. His reputation for holiness grew to the extent that a community of monks asked him to be their abbot. That experiment failed, however—Benedict was too strict for the monks. They tried to get rid of him by poisoning a cup of wine, but when Benedict blessed the wine, the cup shattered. Realizing what had happened, Benedict returned to his cave. Still, monks continued to come to him for advice. Benedict founded several monasteries, eventually establishing himself on Mt. Cassino, not far from his hometown of Nursia. Meanwhile, Scholastica had also chosen a religious life. Nothing is known of her journey to that place, but she, too, was in a nearby religious community, at the base of the same mountain. Each year Scholastica and Benedict would meet in a house outside the monastery (the nuns would not have been permitted inside there). They would spend the day in holy conversation, and then each would return home to their communities. One day they spent longer in conversation than usual. Scholastica asked Benedict to stay so that they could continue their conversation and talk about heaven, but he would not spend the night outside his cell. Scholastica then folded her hands in prayer. Suddenly storm clouds began to gather in the previously clear sky. As Scholastica’s tears flowed, the rain began to pour. “May God have mercy on you! What have you done?” demanded Benedict. Scholastica replied, “I asked you and you would not listen. I asked my God and he listened to me. Now go, if you can.” So Benedict stayed against his will and they continued their conversation throughout the night. Three days later, Benedict saw his sister’s soul ascending into heaven in the shape of a dove—perhaps she had known this would be their last conversation on earth.
This one story we have of their interaction illustrates Scholastica’s legendary, even symbolic, influence on her brother. Twins—Scholastica’s contemplation balances Benedict’s activity, and her spontaneity balances his sense of order. His travels contrast with her local presence. Together they illustrate a balanced Christian life: grounded, yet open to new experience, active service coupled with prayer and study, and discipline tempered by love. Benedict is best known for his Rule, which has influenced Christian spirituality and Western civilization in countless ways. We have Benedict to thank for the Western obsession with time! But the Rule is meant to build this balanced life of
devotion. The Rule organizes the day, setting aside times for various activities—prayer, study, work, eating, sleeping—recognizing that all these activities can be done to God’s glory and are therefore part of a holy life. Having learned from his mistakes, Benedict’s rule is not meant to be rigid, and allows space for the needs and abilities of the monks. There is even time allowed for leisure. Nonetheless, order and routine set the stage for holiness—this is why Benedict did not want to spend the night outside his cell. But if love is the first rule, exceptions to the routine must be made. Also important in the Rule is the role of hospitality. Strangers are welcomed and listened to, because it is possible that they have been sent by God to the community. “We listen with the ear of our heart,” claims the Rule. Ironically, by insisting on obeying his rule, Benedict violated the first precept of his Rule. Writes Gregory the Great about this event, “God is love, and according to that most just principle she (Scholastica) proved more powerful because she loved more.”
For the story of Benedict and Scholastica, as written by Gregory the Great go here:
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