Wednesday February 9:
Fifth Wednesday in Ordinary Time

Green vestments

First Reading: 1 Kings 10: 1-10
Responsorial: Psalm 37: 5-6, 30-31, 39-40
Gospel Reading: Mark 7: 14-23

Thursday February 10:
Feast of Saint Scholastica, Virgin

White vestments

First Reading: 1 Kings 11: 4-13
Responsorial: Psalm 106: 3-4, 35-37, 40
Gospel Reading: Mark 7: 24-30

    The foundress of the Benedictine Nuns - Saint Scholastica, whose feast has always been celebrated on February 10th, was Saint Benedict's twin sister. Both were born in 480 near Umbria and Sabina in Norcia, Italy. Close from birth, both dedicated themselves to God from an early age. When Benedict went off to become a monk, Scholastica became a nun. When Benedict built Subiaco, Scholastica was at a monastery nearby also establishing convents for Benedictine nuns. She later followed her brother to Montecassino where she entered a monastery at Piumarola, Italy. It was there she died in 547 at the age of 67 with Benedict by her side. After a short visit with his sister, Benedict had intended to leave, but the weather was so fierce he had to stay. It was then he realized she was dying and that God had prevented him from going back to his monastery for this reason. He prayed with her by her bedside for three straight days. On the third day she succumbed and Benedict writes that he saw her soul rise to Heaven in the form of a pure, white dove.

          

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