Saint Hildegard
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into Saint Hildegard of Bingen. (Discuss) Proposed since June 2026. |
Saint Hildegard of Bingen, also known as Hildegard von Bingen, was a 12th-century German Benedictine abbess, mystic, writer, composer, philosopher, and polymath who is recognized as one of the most remarkable women of the Middle Ages. Born around 1098 into a noble family, she entered the Benedictine monastery at Disibodenberg at a young age and later founded her own monasteries at Rupertsberg and Eibingen. She received profound mystical visions from an early age, which she recorded in major theological works such as *Scivias*, *Liber Vitae Meritorum*, and *Liber Divinorum Operum*. Her writings cover theology, medicine, natural history, and ethics, while her musical compositions remain performed today.
A Doctor of the Church, proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, Saint Hildegard exercised significant influence as a correspondent with popes, emperors, and bishops, fearlessly calling for Church reform and fidelity to the Gospel. Her holistic vision integrated faith, science, and art, always centered on the living light of Christ. She died on September 17, 1179, at Rupertsberg. Venerated in the Roman Rite, her feast day is celebrated on September 17. She is invoked as a patron of musicians, writers, scientists, and those seeking wisdom, offering the Church a luminous example of the unity of faith and reason.
Saint Hildegard’s legacy continues to inspire contemplation of God’s creation, the role of women in the Church, and the integration of sacred music and theology, reminding the faithful that every gift is to be offered for the glory of God and the building up of His people.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Hildegard
| Saint Hildegard | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | September 17 |
| Profession | Abbess; Mystic; Writer; Composer; Healer |
| Rel. Affiliation | Benedictines |
| Patronage | Musicians; Writers; Scientists; Women in the Church; Germany; Bingen |
| Attributes | Benedictine habit; Book (Scivias); Flame of the Holy Spirit; Musical notation |
| Birthplace | Bermersheim vor der Höhe, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany |
| Death Place | Rupertsberg Monastery, Bingen, Germany |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Rupertsberg (historical); relics in Eibingen Abbey, Germany |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Birth
Saint Hildegard of Bingen was born around 1098 in Bermersheim vor der Höhe, in what is now Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, the tenth child of a noble family.
Early Life
At the age of eight she was entrusted to the care of the anchoress Jutta at Disibodenberg Monastery, where she received formation and began experiencing mystical visions. She took the veil and advanced in monastic life.
Occupation
As abbess of Rupertsberg (founded 1150) and later Eibingen, Saint Hildegard governed her communities wisely, composed music and poetry, wrote extensively on theology, medicine, and natural science, and corresponded with leading figures of her time.
Vocation
Her vocation was to contemplative life, mystical teaching, and prophetic witness. She received a divine command to record her visions, which she did with the approval of ecclesiastical authorities, contributing greatly to the spiritual and intellectual life of the Church.
Death
Saint Hildegard met her end peacefully on September 17, 1179, at Rupertsberg Monastery after a life of intense activity and contemplation. Her death was accompanied by reports of heavenly light and joy among her sisters.
Significant events
- Early mystical experiences and entry into religious life.
- Founding of independent monasteries at Rupertsberg and Eibingen.
- Composition of major theological and scientific works.
- Correspondence with popes, emperors, and bishops.
- Proclamation as Doctor of the Church in 2012.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Bermersheim vor der Höhe, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Death location: Rupertsberg Monastery, Bingen, Germany
Notable location: Foundation and site of her abbatial ministry and visions (Rupertsberg Monastery, Bingen, Germany)
Notable location: Early monastic formation (Disibodenberg Monastery)
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
No parishes dedicated to Saint Hildegard of Bingen have been added to the database yet.
Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
|---|---|---|
| The Secret Visions of Saint Hildegard: The Mystic Who Bridged Heaven and Earth | 15–30 minutes | Biographies of the Saints |
| The Secret Visions of Saint Hildegard | 15–30 minutes | Biographies of the Saints |
| December 17 Saint Hildegard | Under 5 minutes | Breski1 |
| December 17I Saint Hildegard | Under 5 minutes | Breski1 |
| Saint Hildegard: A Woman Ahead of Her Time | Under 5 minutes | Good Catholic |
| Story of Saint Hildegard of Bingen | Saints and Angels TV | EP 173 | #saintsandangelstv #saints | 5–15 minutes | Saints and Angels TV |
| Saint Hildegard and Her Mystical Visions | 30–60 minutes | Sanctus |
| Saint Hildegard: A Woman Ahead of Her Time | Under 5 minutes | The Saint of the Day Podcast |
Shrines
No results
No shrines where this saint is the primary saint.
Eibingen Abbey and Rupertsberg Site
- Description: The monasteries founded by Saint Hildegard, particularly the surviving community at Eibingen, serve as centers of veneration. They qualify under Canon 1230 as sacred places for pilgrimage honoring her life and teachings.
- Pilgrimage details: Near Bingen, Germany (Diocese of Mainz); commemorations on September 17.
- Facts: "Here Saint Hildegard lived, wrote, and offered her profound mystical insights to the Church."
Canonization
Servant of God Veneration began shortly after her death.
Venerable Heroic virtue recognized.
Beatification Equivalent beatification through longstanding cultus.
Canonization Equivalent canonization and declaration as Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification Mystical graces and healings recorded in her *Vita* and community tradition.
Miracle for canonization Spiritual favors supporting her recognition as Doctor of the Church.
Other notable miracles
- Graces of wisdom and healing attributed to her intercession.
Patronage
Saint Hildegard of Bingen is patroness of musicians, writers, scientists, women in the Church, and the regions of Bingen and Germany.
Feast day
September 17
Veneration
Saint Hildegard of Bingen is venerated through the performance of her music, study of her writings, pilgrimages to her monasteries, and prayers for wisdom and creativity. She is depicted as a Benedictine abbess with a book or flame of inspiration.
Prayers
Authored There are prayers authored by this saint in prayers list yet.
Intercessory There are no prayers asking for this saint's intercession in prayers list yet.
Books
Written about the saint
- Biographies and studies of her theology, music, and science.
Written by the saint
- *Scivias*; *Liber Vitae Meritorum*; *Liber Divinorum Operum*; musical compositions; medical and scientific treatises.
External links
- Wikipedia: Hildegard of Bingen
- Vatican resources on her declaration as Doctor
- AnaStPaul: Saint of the Day