Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was an important German religious figure known for her visions and prophecies. She also was a composer, writer, and an abbess (head) of a Benedictine convent. Although never officially declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, Hildegard is still honored with a feast day in many German dioceses.
Hildegard began experiencing visions as a child, and they continued after she became an adult. Her visions generally dealt with relations between God and humanity, as well as creation, redemption, and the church. A committee of theologians appointed by the archbishop of Mainz reviewed her visions and confirmed them as authentic. Later, a committee appointed by Pope Eugene III studied her account of the visions and also reported that they were authentic. Hildegard’s major book is Scivias (1141-1151), an account of 26 of her visions and prophecies.
In addition to Scivias, Hildegard wrote works on medicine and science, a religious play, and two biographies of saints. She exchanged many letters with kings, popes, and other religious and political leaders of the day. Hildegard is recognized as a major figure in medieval music, composing the words and music for more than 75 hymns and religious songs.
Hildegard was born of noble parents in Bockelsheim, near what is now Mainz, Germany. She took vows as a Benedictine nun at about the age of 15. In 1147, she founded a convent at Rupertsberg, near Bingen, Germany, at a site she claimed had been revealed to her in a vision. She became the abbess of that convent and founded another convent about 1162. Her influence spread through her correspondence and her travels throughout Germany and parts of France. In her travels, Hildegard preached to people of all classes, urging them to reform and to follow her prophecies. Hildegard died on Sept. 17, 1179.
