Ready to teach your children about this remarkable saint whose love and prayer even changed the weather?
Here's a ready-to-use lesson about St. Benedict's twin sister who helped establish monasteries for women!
1Tell the story of St. Scholastica
I love telling my kids the story of St. Scholastica and St. Benedict, because a brother and sister became saints together. Inspiration for us all!
Here’s how you can introduce their story:
Born to a noble family in Italy around 480 AD, Scholastica and her twin brother Benedict dedicated their lives to God. While Benedict founded monasteries for men, Scholastica established communities for women. She is most famous for her last meeting with her brother, when she prayed for a storm to keep him from leaving so they could spend more time together before she died.
Then read the picture book The Holy Twins by Kathleen Norris.
Don’t have it on hand? No problem. Watch it here:
This book is a beautiful retelling of their story. Hopefully it will inspire our kids to become saints alongside their siblings too!
2Choose a craft
We’ve got something for all ages with an origami video and coloring page!
St. Scholastica’s spirit rose to heaven in the form of a dove. Honor this special moment with a dove origami craft. Here’s a tutorial:
My older kids love origami, but the younger ones always opt for a coloring page (or drawing video if there’s one available). If you want to keep this part simple, you can find St. Scholastica coloring pages here and here.
3Talk about the story to help the lessons sink in
After the origami video or while the kids are coloring, talk through some of these discussion questions:
- Why do you think St. Scholastica wanted her brother to stay longer?
- How did she show that prayer is powerful?
- What can we learn from her dedication to God?
- Why do you think she's often shown with a dove?
- How did she help other women who wanted to serve God?
- What was your favorite part of her story?
- Why do you think saints often come in groups, like these twins?
4Pray together
Gather together and light a candle. Here's a simple kid-friendly prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for St. Scholastica,
who showed us the power of prayer and love.
Help us to love our families
and to trust in the power of prayer.
Through Christ our Lord,Amen.
St. Scholastica, pray for us!
5Optional extension activities
If you have more time and would like to go deeper into the lesson, here are a few ways to do that:
- Serve Italian cookies to connect with Sts. Scholastica and Benedict’s cultural background
- Start a weather journal or make a “storm in a jar” science project, connecting to St. Scholastica's famous storm miracle
- Make a list of the children’s prayer intentions, helping the children realize the power of prayer
- Share with the children the stories of other saints who were siblings
