Saint Hildegard
Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) was a German Benedictine abbess, mystic, writer, composer, philosopher, and visionary. She is considered one of the greatest saints of the medieval Church and one of the most influential women in Western history.
Hildegard was born in 1098, in Bermersheim into a noble family. As was customary in noble families of the time, Hildegard, as a tenth child, was dedicated to the Church and entered the monastery of Disibodenberg at an early age. From the age of 3, Hildegard began seeing visions of "a light" which she later interpreted as the voice of God.
Hildegard’s mystical experiences were a central part of her life. By the time she was in her forties, she felt a divine calling to write about these visions and share them with others. In 1141, she began dictating her visions to a monk named Volmar, who transcribed her words. These visions became the basis for her first major work, "Scivias" (Know the Ways). The book includes 26 visions and their theological interpretations, touching on topics like creation, salvation, and the role of humanity in God’s plan.
In addition to her theological works, Hildegard was also involved in natural science and medicine. She wrote two major works on these subjects: "Physica" (On the Properties of Things) and "Causae et Curae" (Causes and Cures). In these works, she provided detailed descriptions of the medicinal uses of plants, animals, and stones, along with practical advice on healing.
Hildegard lived a long life for her time, passing away on September 17, 1179, at the age of 81. Her work, while influential during her life, became better known and appreciated in the centuries following her death. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI declared Hildegard a Doctor of the Church, recognizing her profound contributions to theology and spirituality.
She became one of only four women to receive this honor, joining the ranks of figures such as Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Ávila, and Thérèse of Lisieux.
In recent decades, Hildegard’s life and works have experienced a revival. Her visionary theology and holistic approach to health and healing continue to inspire theologians, scientists and musicians.
Hildegard was born in 1098, in Bermersheim into a noble family. As was customary in noble families of the time, Hildegard, as a tenth child, was dedicated to the Church and entered the monastery of Disibodenberg at an early age. From the age of 3, Hildegard began seeing visions of "a light" which she later interpreted as the voice of God.
Hildegard’s mystical experiences were a central part of her life. By the time she was in her forties, she felt a divine calling to write about these visions and share them with others. In 1141, she began dictating her visions to a monk named Volmar, who transcribed her words. These visions became the basis for her first major work, "Scivias" (Know the Ways). The book includes 26 visions and their theological interpretations, touching on topics like creation, salvation, and the role of humanity in God’s plan.
In addition to her theological works, Hildegard was also involved in natural science and medicine. She wrote two major works on these subjects: "Physica" (On the Properties of Things) and "Causae et Curae" (Causes and Cures). In these works, she provided detailed descriptions of the medicinal uses of plants, animals, and stones, along with practical advice on healing.
Hildegard lived a long life for her time, passing away on September 17, 1179, at the age of 81. Her work, while influential during her life, became better known and appreciated in the centuries following her death. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI declared Hildegard a Doctor of the Church, recognizing her profound contributions to theology and spirituality.
She became one of only four women to receive this honor, joining the ranks of figures such as Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Ávila, and Thérèse of Lisieux.
In recent decades, Hildegard’s life and works have experienced a revival. Her visionary theology and holistic approach to health and healing continue to inspire theologians, scientists and musicians.