St. Benedict, Abbot (Feast Day July 11) and St. Scholastica (Feast Day February 10)

St. Benedict 480 – 547 and St. Scholastica 480 – February 10, 542

Twins often share the same interests and ideas with equal intensity. Therefore, it is no surprise that Scholastica and her twin brother, Benedict, established religious communities within a few miles of each other. Born in 480 into a distinguished family in central Italy, they were brought up together until Benedict left for Rome to continue his studies.

Early in life, he was drawn to live like a monk. At first, he became a hermit, but he soon realized that he could not live a hidden life in a small town, so he withdrew to a cave high in the mountains for three years. Some monks chose Benedict as their leader for a while but did not like his strict lifestyle. He had an idea of gathering various families of monks into one "Grand Monastery" to give them the benefit of unity, fraternity, and permanent worship in one house. Finally, he began to build what was to become one of the most famous monasteries in the world—Monte Cassino. Benedict developed a "Rule" that prescribed a life of liturgical prayer, study, manual labor, and living together in community. During the Middle Ages, all monasticism in the West was gradually brought under the Rule of St. Benedict.

St. Scholastica founded a religious community for women near Monte Cassino at Plombariola, five miles from where her brother governed the monastery. The twins visited each other once a year in a farmhouse because Scholastica was not permitted inside the monastery. They spent these times discussing spiritual matters.

·      What is God the Father like to you?

·      What kind of “yoke” is Jesus talking about? (P.S. It’s not an egg!)

·      Can you pray like Jesus does in today’s Gospel? Let’s hear it!

·      St. Scholastica and St. Benedict had similar interests. Which person in your immediate or extended family has interests that are similar to yours?

Create a Sacred Space

Consider creating a sacred space in your backyard by converting a shed to a chapel or a garden area into a grotto. Having a sacred space in your backyard gives you a place of refuge where you can collect your thoughts and pray without interruption. Involve the whole family in planning and building the space. Search the Internet for ideas and inspiration!

Eggs Benedict Casserole for St. Benedict

Serve this awesome breakfast dish in honor of St. Benedict.

½ pound Canadian Bacon or ham diced

6 English Muffins cut into 1-inch pieces

6 eggs

2 cups half and half

1 tsp Montreal Steak Seasoning

Hollandaise Sauce

4 egg yolks

½ cup heavy cream

2 Tbsp lime juice

1 tsp dried mustard

½ cup butter, melted

3 Tbsp chopped chives for garnish

Coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Combine the ham and English Muffins in the pan. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, half and half, and steak seasonings. Pour over the top of the ham and muffins. Cover and allow to refrigerate overnight. In the morning preheat your oven to 375 F. Remove the pan from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Wrap in aluminum foil for the first ½ hour of baking. Remove the foil and allow to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until puffed and brown. While it is baking, make the Hollandaise Sauce.

For the Hollandaise Sauce

In a blender or food processor, add the egg yolks, cream, and mustard. Cover and blend for 10 seconds or so. Slowly pour the hot melted butter into the mixture. Continue blending until the mixture has thickened, another minute or so. Pour hollandaise sauce over casserole and garnish with chopped chives. Serve hot.

Bedtime Prayer for Children

Heavenly Father,

Bless (name) and keep him (her) in your love.

Grant him (her) a good rest tonight,

And send your angels to protect him (her).

[Trace the sign of the cross on their forehead.]

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What do you think the chalice (the special cup used by the priest during the consecration of the Eucharist) is made of?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus encourages us to rest in him. This week, allocate some time to simply rest in Jesus, relax, and recharge your batteries.

Today, according to the Benedictine Confederation, there are more than 20,000 monks and nuns in about 400 monasteries throughout the world who live according to the Rule of Benedict.