St. Hildegard of Bingen
1098-1179
📅 Feast Day: Sep 17
📖 Life Timeline
1098
Born in September 1098, Boppam, Germany
1098
Born Hildegard on Sept 7, 1098 at Bockelheim, Germany, to a noble family
1136
anchoress under Jutta of Sponheim, then abbess in 1136
1165
two monasteries: Rupertsberg (1150) and Eibingen (1165)
1179
Surnamed 'the Sibyl of the Rhine
1179
Died — September 17, 1179, Eibingen
2012
Canonized — 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI
✝ Biography
Born Hildegard on Sept 7, 1098 at Bockelheim, Germany, to a noble family. Given to the monastery at Disibodenberg at age 8 as a tithe to God. Became anchoress under Jutta of Sponheim, then abbess in 1136. From childhood she had visions—'an radiant light which touched my mind.' At age 42, Pope Eugene III's legate ordered her to record her visions. Wrote 'Scivias' (Know the Ways of the Lord)—11 visions on creation, fall, and Church history. Also wrote 'Liber Vitae Meritorum' (Book of Life's Merits), 'Liber Divinorum Operum' (Book of Divine Works), and 37 musical compositions still sung today. Founded two monasteries: Rupertsberg (1150) and Eibingen (1165). Corresponded with popes, emperors, and bishops, urging moral reform. Wrote the first known medical treatise by a woman: 'Causae et Curae.' Also composed a liturgical drama 'Ordo Virtutum' (Play of the Virtues). Surnamed 'the Sibyl of the Rhine.' Died Sept 17, 1179 at age 81. Canonized in 1240. Doctor of the Church (2012). Patron of authors, musicians, and the sick.
🛡 Patronage
Patron of: Healers, physicians, writers, poets, musicians, and those who have visions.
💬 Words of the Saint
Be radiant deeds, you friends of God, and shine on the earth as beacons.
📜 Key Facts
Born
Sept 7, 1098, Bockelheim, Germany
Died
September 17, 1179, Eibingen
Feast Day
Sep 17
Canonized
2012 by Pope Benedict XVI
🕊 Legacy
Her music is performed worldwide by major orchestras. Her medical writings were advanced for her time. A woman who achieved extraordinary authority in a male-dominated world.
📜 Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words — their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
📖 Scivias
On the Vision of God
I saw a great vision, a vision of the Living Light, the Light of God, the Light of the world. I saw the Church, the bride of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the people of God. I saw the saints, the martyrs, the confessors, the virgins, the widows, the children.
— St. Hildegard of Bingen
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