From The Desk of Deacon Judy

Hildegard, Abbess of Bingen and Mystic, 1179

September 17 is the day we honor Hildegard of Bingen, one of my absolute favorite medieval mystics. I call her a Renaissance woman before the Renaissance. She would be considered an amazing woman in any era, but she is especially remarkable for her time. She was a poet, composer, dramatist, doctor, scientist, preacher, and spiritual guide. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named her a Doctor of the Church.

Her family pledged her to God as a child. The anchoress Jutta raised her near the Benedictine Monastery of Disibodenberg, where they lived a life of silence and prayer. As more women joined them, they formed a convent, where Jutta was abbess. When Jutta died, Hildegard became abbess and founded additional convents in the Rhineland.

Like so many mystics, she had spiritual visions, which she captured in writings and in illuminations. When Bernard de Clairvaux recommended her writings to the pope, she became famous, sought after by nobility and clergy for spiritual counsel.

Hildegard composed music which is ethereal and lovely. It is still performed today. Here are the lyrics of one of her heavenly chants:

Love Abounds

Love abounds in all, from the depths exalted and excelling over every star, and most beloved of all, for to the highest King the kiss of peace she gave.

For Hildegard, music was essential for worship. In her liturgical drama, The Play of Virtues, the virtues sing their parts. The devil is condemned to live without music.

She had medicinal gardens from which she practiced medicine. She published treatises on natural science and philosophy.

If you want to learn more, there are many books about Hildegard. Years ago our book group read Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard Von Bingen by Mary Sharrat, which opened my eyes to her remarkable life.

Born in 1098, Hildegard lived 81 years. Her writings, her music, and her exemplary life still inspire so many of us 900 years later.

God’s peace, Judy Q+