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Saint11th–12th century · Feast September 17

St Hildegard of Bingen

Also known as Hildegard von Bingen, Sibyl of the Rhine, Saint Hildegard

Abbess
Doctor of the Church
Mystic

A Benedictine abbess, composer, writer and Doctor of the Church who joined theology, music and nature.

Pray with St Hildegard of Bingen

A short prayer

God of grace, through the intercession of St Hildegard of Bingen, guide us in faith, courage and love. Amen.

The story of their life

A Benedictine abbess, composer, writer and Doctor of the Church who joined theology, music and nature. Medieval monasteries were centres of worship, education, healthcare and manuscript culture.

Historical context

Medieval monasteries were centres of worship, education, healthcare and manuscript culture.

Defining moments

  • Leading a women’s community
  • Recording visions
  • Founding a monastery
  • Composing music
  • Preaching publicly

Faith and spirituality

Creative praise, reverence for creation and courageous use of a woman’s voice.

Why this saint matters today

High-confidence match for composers, writers, ecological interests and women exercising leadership.

Patronage and intercession

People turn to St Hildegard of Bingen in matters of:

Musicians
Writers
Women leaders
People interested in creation

Sources and further reading

  • https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints.html
  • https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/

Source-quality status: unverified prototype

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Portrait of St Benedict of Nursia

St Benedict of Nursia

Saint6th century · Feast July 11

A monk and abbot who transformed a solitary search for God into a lasting school of prayer, work, hospitality and community through the Rule that shaped Western monasticism.

Abbot
Order of Saint Benedict
Italy