Saint Hildegard Von Bingen

Biography

Saint Hildegard von Bingen, also known as Hildegard Eibingen, Hildegard of Bingen, Hildegardis Bingensis, and Sybil of the Rhine, was a remarkable figure in medieval history. Born in 1098 in Bermersheim, Rhineland Palatinate (modern Germany), she was the tenth child of a noble family. As was customary with the tenth child who could not be easily supported, she was dedicated to the Church from birth. From a young age, Hildegard began experiencing visions of luminous objects. However, she kept this gift a secret for many years as she realized that it made her unique. At the age of eight, her family sent her to study under an anchoress named Jutta. During her time with Jutta, Hildegard received a rudimentary religious education, learning to read the Psalter in Latin. However, she never fully grasped Latin grammar and relied on secretaries to write down her visions. Despite her lack of formal schooling, Hildegard had an intuitive grasp of the language and was able to construct complex sentences with multiple meanings. Jutta's anchorage was located near the Benedictine monastery at Disibodenberg, exposing Hildegard to religious services that laid the foundation for her later musical compositions. When Jutta passed away, Hildegard, then 38 years old, was elected the head of the burgeoning convent that had formed around the anchorage. For many years, Hildegard confided her visions only to Jutta and a monk named Volmar, who would become her lifelong secretary. However, in 1141, Hildegard experienced a vision of God that granted her immediate understanding of the meaning of religious texts. She was commanded to write down everything she observed in her visions. Despite her certainty in the divine origin of her visions, Hildegard hesitated to act due to feelings of inadequacy. At the age of 42 and seven months, Hildegard experienced a revelation that filled her entire being with an exceptional brilliance and warmth. This experience gave her the confidence to finally pursue her calling to write and share her visions. She sought validation from the Church and wrote to Saint Bernard, who brought the matter to Pope Eugenius. After consultation, the pope encouraged Hildegard to complete her writings. With the papal imprimatur, Hildegard finished her first visionary work, Scivias ("Know the Ways of the Lord"), marking the beginning of her growing fame throughout Germany and beyond. The 12th century was a time of schisms and religious confusion, with several individuals preaching outlandish doctrines and attracting large followings. Hildegard, however, preached against these schismatics throughout her life, actively working against the Cathari, a heretical movement prominent during her time. Saint Hildegard von Bingen was beatified on August 26, 1326, by Pope John XXII and was canonized on May 10, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI in an equipollent canonization. She was also declared a Doctor of the Church on October 7, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI, recognizing her significant contributions to theology and spirituality. Today, Saint Hildegard von Bingen is celebrated as an inspirational figure who overcame social, physical, cultural, and gender barriers to achieve timeless transcendence. Her story is of great importance to students of medieval history and culture, offering insights into a vibrant intellect breaking through societal expectations. She is also hailed as the first known female composer and has left behind a rich legacy of music, writings on theology and natural history, as well as her use of natural objects for healing purposes. Saint Hildegard von Bingen's life serves as an inspiration for people of all times, reminding us of the power of faith, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge in overcoming adversities and making lasting contributions to the world. She is recognized as the patron saint of Esperantists, Esperanto users or speakers, as well as philologists.