Saint Scholastica: Love That Leads
Catholic leaders can learn profound lessons from St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict and a spiritual matriarch of Western monasticism.
Leadership Lessons for Catholic Leaders
First, the primacy of love over authority. In the famous account from St. Gregory the Great, Scholastica’s prayer for more time in spiritual conversation was answered by a storm that prevented Benedict from leaving. Gregory concludes that she prevailed because she loved more. Catholic leaders today can learn that authentic authority flows from charity, not control, and that love can perceive God’s will more clearly than rigid adherence to rules.
Second, the power of prayer. Scholastica exercised no formal institutional authority, yet her prayer shaped events and influenced even a great abbot. This teaches leaders that prayer is not secondary to leadership—it is leadership at its deepest level.
Third, the dignity of contemplative wisdom. Scholastica represents a leadership that listens, discerns, and trusts God’s timing. In a Church often tempted to prioritize efficiency and strategy, she reminds leaders to make space for silence, relationship, and spiritual attentiveness.
Finally, collaboration in mission. Scholastica and Benedict’s relationship models mutual respect and complementarity in service of the Gospel. Catholic leaders can learn that holiness and effectiveness grow when leadership is shared, humble, and rooted in communion.
Reflection Questions & Personal Application
St. Scholastica shows that the Church is guided not only by structures, but by saints whose love opens the way for God to act.
