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Hildegard of Bingen

Born: c. 1098

Died: September 17, 1179

Feast day: September 17

Patron saint of: musicians, writers

One of the things I love about the Catholic tradition is that there has long been much room within it for both reason and mystery. Having a great personal affinity for both, I find something of a kindred spirit in Hildegard, who embodied the same duality. Both the confidence in speaking her mind and the self-deprecating tendencies that come out in Hildegard’s correspondence demonstrate an internal paradox that resonates strongly with me.

Here is a woman of deep faith and deep doubts. The courage that she showed in voicing her insecurities as well as her strong convictions gives me hope that I, too, can contribute valuable insights in and through my self-doubts as well as the times when I feel most eloquent and assured of my rightness. Maybe I am even learning right along with Hildegard of the need, in either case, to turn from self-obsession toward a healthy humility.

Julia Smucker


More about Hildegard of Bingen:

Hildegard of Bingen: A woman of substance

The medieval abbess and doctor of the church was a nun ahead of her time.


Image: Wikimedia Commons