Saint Hildegard von Bingen

Category: Saint Hildegard

Experience the Beauty and Inspiration of Hildegard’s “Ordo Virtutum – Order of Powers”

“Ordo Virtutum – Order of Powers”

Enjoy the two-minute trailer that is part of the 80-minute program. Watch the unique Singspiel “Ordo Virtutum – Order of Powers” by Hildegard von Bingen from the historic Pauluskirche in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, performed by the renowned ensemble of Maria Jonas & Ars Choralis Coeln. “With the ORDO VIRTUTUM Hildegard created Europe’s earliest mystery play to have come down to us in written form. One perceives Hildegard’s passion for creating and her talent for dramatic staging’s when she allows the powers of virtue to appear as allegories and to sing: Hildegard’s musical vision of a divine order.”

We are excited to announce that these videos are now available for your viewing pleasure! The Scivias Media Team worked hard to film these videos under the coordination of Director Michael M. Conti and key team member Janucz Reichenbach, who generously provided his equipment and time. We also had the assistance of camera operators Jacob Esser and Matthias Baden. We hope you enjoy these videos as much as we enjoyed creating them and making them available to you.

February 27, 2024
How has Hildegard of Bingen’s work been embraced by feminists?
Revolutionary Voices: Hildegard of Bingen’s Feminist Legacy

Embraced by feminists? Saint Hildegard of Bingen was a pioneering figure in the history of feminism. As one of the first female intellectuals in the Western tradition, she made significant contributions to a wide range of fields, including theology, music, medicine, and natural history. Despite living in a time when women were often excluded from education and decision-making roles, Hildegard was able to attain a high level of knowledge and influence through her intellectual pursuits and her role as an abbess.

Hildegard’s work has been embraced by feminists as a source of inspiration and as a reminder of the important role that women have played in the history of Christianity and Western civilization.

Some examples of how Hildegard of Bingen’s work has been embraced by feminists as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the important role that women have played in the history of Christianity and Western civilization include:
1. Hildegard’s writings have been widely studied and analyzed by feminists who are interested in understanding the history of women’s contributions to Christianity and Western civilization. Dr. Beverly Mayne Kienzle‘s work as a published academic has made a significant impact.
2. Hildegard’s compositions and plays have been performed and celebrated by feminist musicians and artists like Maria Jonas and Grace McLean as a way of honoring and promoting the work of a pioneering female artist.
3. Hildegard’s contributions to the fields of medicine and natural history have been recognized and celebrated by feminists like Brigette Mars who are interested in the history of women’s contributions to science.
4. Hildegard’s advocacy for the education and empowerment of women has been cited by feminists like American Rev. Dr. Shanon Sterringer who has set her own example of the fight for women’s rights and equality as an ordained woman priest.
5. Hildegard’s role as an abbess and a leader in the medieval Church has been highlighted by feminists like German theologian Dr. Annette Esser as an example of the important roles that women have played in the history of Christianity.
6. Judy Chicago‘s controversial installation artwork The Dinner Party. This monumental multimedia project, a symbolic history of women in Western Civilization, has been seen by more than one million viewers during its sixteen exhibitions held at venues spanning six countries. Hildegarde Place Setting is at this table.
Throughout her writings, Hildegard consistently advocated for the rights and dignity of women. She argued that women were equal to men in the eyes of God and that they had the same potential for spiritual growth and enlightenment. She also challenged traditional gender roles and advocated for the education of women, arguing that they were just as capable as men of understanding and interpreting the natural world and the mysteries of faith.

In modern times, Hildegard’s work has been embraced by feminists as a source of inspiration and as a reminder of the important role that women have played in the history of Christianity and Western civilization. Hildegard’s writing and music continue to captivate audiences centuries after her death, serving as a testament to her enduring legacy.

Intellectual and creative force: Embraced by feminists

Not only was Hildegard an intellectual and creative force embraced by feminists, but she also played a pivotal role in shaping the position of women in the medieval world. As the abbess of her own monastery, she provided a platform for women to advance their education and pursue their passions. Her visionary leadership and determination challenged the male-dominated norms of her time, paving the way for future generations of women to find their voice and make significant contributions.

Hildegard’s impact is not limited to her own era. Her ideas and teachings continue to resonate with people from all walks of life, inspiring them to embrace their own inner strength and explore the realms of knowledge and spirituality. Today, Hildegard of Bingen is celebrated as a symbol of empowerment, creativity, and resilience, reminding us of the boundless potential that lies within each and every one of us.

So, whether you are captivated by her enchanting music, fascinated by her visionary writings, or inspired by her unwavering strength, Hildegard of Bingen is a figure whose legacy shines through the ages, leaving an indelible mark on the history of art, spirituality, and women’s empowerment.

Meet some of the Women Who Have Helped to Bring Saint Hildegard to the Present Through Their Work, Including Participation in the Virtual Pilgrimage

Discover more and others like these amazing women here.
Rev. Mary Reaman
Maria Jonas
Grace McLean
Rev. Dr. Shanon Sterringer
Mary Sharratt
Dr. Beverly Mayne Kienzle
The Rev. Dr. Carol Vaccariello
Annette Esser
Sara Salvadori
Brigette Mars
Lauren Cole
Kathi Keville
Susan Lincoln
Joyce Ray
Sarah Riehm
The Rev Susan W. Springer
* Feminism can be practiced through activism, education, and personal action, and it often involves working in collaboration with other social justice movements.

Please share other stories of women that we should know about in the comments below.
December 22, 2022
Bloodletting?
Why bloodletting?

According to Hildegard von Bingen, every adult should have bloodletting performed regularly and as a preventive measure for general cleaning. Because harmful waste products (“black bile and bad juices”) often lead to a wide variety of acute or chronic diseases. As part of a comprehensive therapy, bloodletting can even be carried out every two months.

Bloodletting: Causae et Curae

In her book “Causae et Curae” – “About the causes and treatment of the diseases” she left us a wealth of information on this important “aderlass” cleaning and therapeutic process.

This is how she writes:

“When the vessels of a human being are filled with blood, they must be cleaned by an incision of the harmful mucus and putrefactive substances supplied by digestion.”

Blood-letting or “saignée” effectively lowers blood pressure. However, not only volume and harmful substances are removed from the body, but the blood formation also stimulates the metabolism with hormone regulation, inflammation inhibition and pain reduction.

Would you take the cure?

Medieval Bloodletting

Bloodletting was a Medieval practice that involved intentionally drawing blood from a patient’s body in order to restore what was believed to be a balance of bodily humors and treat various ailments. It was based on the ancient Greek concept of humoral theory, which proposed that the human body was governed by four main humors—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile—and imbalances among these humors were thought to cause illnesses.

Here are the general steps involved in the practice of medieval bloodletting:
1. Diagnosis: Physicians or healers would examine the patient’s symptoms, often taking into account factors such as the patient’s overall health, appearance, and the nature of their complaints. Based on these observations, they would determine which humor was believed to be in excess and causing the illness.
2. Choice of Method: Bloodletting could be performed using various methods, each targeting different parts of the body. The choice of method depended on the patient’s condition and the specific humor believed to be imbalanced.
3. Selection of Tools: Bloodletting required specific tools. Common instruments included lancets, which were small, sharp blades, and cupping vessels made of materials like glass or horn. The choice of instrument also depended on the method chosen.
4. Preparation of the Patient: Before the procedure, patients might be advised to prepare by fasting, avoiding certain foods, or undergoing other rituals. This was thought to help enhance the effectiveness of bloodletting.
5. Site Selection: Depending on the illness and the humor believed to be imbalanced, a suitable site for bloodletting was selected. Common sites included veins in the arms, legs, and neck, but sometimes more specific locations were chosen based on the humoral theory.
6. Incision or Cupping: If bloodletting involved making an incision, the physician would use a lancet to puncture the chosen vein. Alternatively, in cupping, a cupping vessel was placed on the skin, and a vacuum was created inside it, drawing blood to the surface of the skin through suction.
7. Blood Removal: Once the vein was punctured or blood was drawn to the surface, the blood was allowed to flow into a container or onto the ground. The amount of blood taken was often carefully measured and controlled based on the patient’s condition and the healer’s judgment.
8. Monitoring and Aftercare: After the blood was drawn, the patient’s condition was observed. The healing process was believed to begin as the body worked to restore the balance of humors. Patients were usually advised to rest, and sometimes herbal remedies were prescribed to aid in the recovery.
9. Repeat Procedures: In some cases, bloodletting was performed multiple times over a period of days or weeks. The frequency and volume of bloodletting sessions varied depending on the illness and the beliefs of the healer.
It’s important to note that while bloodletting was a widely practiced medical treatment during the medieval period, it is now considered a harmful and ineffective practice by modern medical standards. The development of modern medical knowledge and understanding of human physiology has led to the abandonment of bloodletting in favor of evidence-based medical practices.

Learn more: http://naturheilpraxis-vorgebirge.de/aderlass/
December 8, 2022
Saint Hildegard Virtual Pilgrimage 2021

Offering a virtual pilgrimage again in September for Saint Hildegard, both live and pre-recorded. Besides the 12-days of recordings, there are live 2-days of virtual events over Saint Hildegard’s Feast Day, September 17 & 18, 2021.

(BOULDER, CO August 2021) For a second year in a row, Michael Conti Productions presents “Saint Hildegard Virtual Pilgrimage 2021” beginning on Monday, Sept 6 at Noon EST and concluding the day after Saint Hildegard’s Feast Day on Sept 18, 2021.

For twelve days, you’ll experience videos with contemplative spiritual direction from an American follower of Hildegard; new videos that are elegant and divinely inspired from “Saint Hildegard Speaks” stations along the Hildegard Way in Germany; academic and theological short talks on themes in Hildegard’s life.

The 2-days of Virtual Feast Day Events runs September 17 -18, 2021. It starts on September 17th at 1 PM EST, with the ringing of the bells from the Hildegard Haus in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, followed by a sermon by Rev. Dr. Shanon Sterringer. Rev. Dr. Matthew Fox who is the author of Illuminations of Hildegard of Bingen, Hildegard’s Book of Divine Works with Letters and Songs, Hildegard of Bingen, a Saint for Our Times: Unleashing Her Power in the 21st Century, will share some thoughts with us on the theme of this year’s offering: spirituality and creativity as seen through Hildegard’s natural medicine, art, writing and music.

Other scheduled presenters are American writer Mary Sharratt (Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen), founder Dr. Annette Esser (Scivias Institute), children’s author Joyce Ray (Feathers & Trumpets), actor, playwright, composer and singer Grace McLean (In the Green), executive director Karen Cassidy (Hildegard House), writer David M. Dupuis (The Seven Keys of Hildegard), playwright Sarah Riehm (Living Hildegard), spiritual life coach Carl Johann Schroeder, medieval researcher Lauren Cole, artistic director Thomas Edward Morgan (Ars Nova Singers), composer Dr. Chris Piorkowski (The Unruly Mystic Series), singer Susan Lincoln (Singing in the Hildegarden), The Rev. Mary Reaman, and renowned herbalists Brigitte Mars and Kathi Keville (American Herb Association), etc.

This ecumenical online pilgrimage has been created by pilgrim-filmmaker Michael M. Conti, with special contribution from Dr. Annette Esser, Director of the Scivias Institute and author of “Pilgerbuch: Hildegard von Bingen Pilgerwanderweg”. The pilgrimage was filmed during summer 2019 in Nahe district near Frankfurt, Germany.

The 85 mile (137 km) “Hildegard Way” is a trail through the Nahe river region in Rhineland-Palantinate in Germany. The idea for it is an inspiration from Dr. Annette Esser, the founder of Scivias Institute for Art and Spirituality. Dr. Esser speaks in character as “Hildegard” at 10 stations along the Hildegard Way and gives a small glimpse into the many teachings of Saint Hildegard.

Saint Hildegard of Bingen was a 12th-century German Benedictine abbess who founded 2 monastic communities in the Rhineland-Palantine region of Germany and was a polymath active in theology, music, art, medicine, and healing, and philosophy. One of the most influential women in European history, Hildegard is noted as a Christian mystic and prophet and considered to be the founder of scientific natural history in Germany. She was formally cannoned by the Vatican in 2012 and is only one of 4 women who have been made a Doctor of the Church.

Michael Conti Productions:

Michael M. Conti, the creator behind The Unruly Mystic: Saint Hildegard, journeyed on Hildegard Way as a pilgrim-filmmaker and is sharing these offerings to you.

Offering a virtual pilgrimage again in September for Saint Hildegard, both live and pre-recorded. Besides the 12-days of recordings, there are live 2-days of virtual events over Saint Hildegard’s Feast Day, September 17 & 18, 2021.

August 30, 2021
Saint Hildegard Speaks Press Release

“Saint Hildegard Speaks” a virtual contemplative pilgrimage and short talk series through the land of Hildegard premieres September 6, 2020

Press Release (BOULDER, CO August 2020) Michael Conti Productions presents “Saint Hildegard Speaks” beginning on Sunday, Sept 6 at Noon EST and concluding on Saint Hildegard’s Feast Day on Sept 17, 2020.

For twelve days, you’ll experience online: contemplative spiritual direction from an American follower of Hildegard; new videos that are elegant and divinely inspired from “Saint Hildegard Speaks” stations along the Hildegard Way in Germany; academic and theological short talks on themes in Hildegard’s life.

This ecumenical online pilgrimage has been created by pilgrim-filmmaker Michael M. Conti, with special contribution from Dr. Annette Esser, Director of the Scivias Institute and author of “Pilgerbuch: Hildegard von Bingen Pilgerwanderweg”. The pilgrimage was filmed during summer 2019 in Nahe district near Frankfurt, Germany.

The 85 mile (137 km) “Hildegard Way” is a trail through the Nahe river region in Rhineland-Palantinate in Germany. The idea for it is an inspiration from Dr. Annette Esser, the founder of Scivias Institute for Art and Spirituality. Dr. Esser speaks in character as “Hildegard” at 10 stations along the Hildegard Way and gives a small glimpse into the many teachings of Saint Hildegard.

The Reverend Doctor Shanon Sterringer will open each daily session at Noon EDT with a ringing of the church bells from the Hildegard Haus, an American Hildegard community in Ohio. Revd Dr. Sterringer will provide spiritual direction and insight to that day’s video and short talk.

After each Hildegard Way station video, an inspiring short talk on different themes of Hildegard’s life and theology will be given by international Hildegard scholars and theologians, curated by Dr. Beverly Kienzle, recently retired from Harvard Divinity School.

The virtual pilgrimage will conclude on Saint Hildegard’s Feast Day on Sept 17, with a special presentation by Revd Dr. Matthew Fox.

The entire series will be presented on Zoom. Complete details and early bird registration information can be found at SaintHildegard.com.

Who was the remarkable Hildegard of Bingen (1098 – 17 September 1179)? A Benedictine nun, she founded two women’s monastic communities, wrote visionary treatises and multiple theological works, designed illustrations, interpreted the Bible, composed liturgical songs, and developed works on natural science and medicine. Educated in the monastery and instructed though visions, Hildegard reached a level of literary and artistic production that was achieved by few men in the Middle Ages. She was named a Doctor of the Church in 2012.

Hildegard was the only medieval woman who systematically interpreted the Gospels; that is, she explained the multiple meanings of biblical texts methodically and theologically. She achieved a rich, creative, and coherent presentation of Christian theology, from the origins of the world and humankind to the afterlife. She affirmed repeatedly that divine visions taught her the deepest meaning of the Scriptures,

Viriditas, or greenness, a unifying capacity of nature, lies at the core of Hildegard’s natural science, medicine, cosmology, and theology. The life-giving power of the Holy Spirit offers hope, refreshment, and faith in God’s creation, even when human perversion destroys it. For Hildegard, the lives and spirits of all creatures are interdependent—a crucial lesson for a world suffering from a pandemic and the destruction of natural life. Her belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings influences the international movements for integrative medicine and for environmental protection. Hildegard’s influence on healing, creation theology, and women’s leadership continues today, as evidenced by the spiritual pilgrimage to her homeland, so beautifully presented in the videos that follow.

The Hildegard Way (“Hildegardweg”) was established with the support from the EU in 2013 and is a 137 km pilgrimage trail through the Nahe river region in Germany. The trail begins in Ida-Oberstein, leading past the monastery ruins of Disibodenburg and Hildegard’s Rupertsburg Abbey, concluding at the Abbey of Saint Hildegard in Eibingen. 59 information tableaux, designed and written by Dr. Annette Esser, are at stations along the trail, detailing some of the teachings, philosophies, theology of Hildegard, and feature visionary artwork from Hildegard’s book “Liber Scivas.”

Michael Conti Productions:

About Crazy Wisdom Films (CWF): Every generation when finding its own voice also rediscovers the teachers, mystics, geniuses, misfits, rebels, troublemakers from the past. Films in the series to date include “The Unruly Mystic™: Saint Hildegard” and “The Unruly Mystic: John Muir”.

Press Release

September 6, 2020
Journal Entry from Hildegard Feast Day

A room with a view of the abbey’s vineyard

Feast Day for Hildegard von Bingen

On September 17th, I am in Germany to attend the Feast day for Hildegard of Bingen. This experience profoundly altered my perception of Saint Hildegard’s significance to German Catholics. Prior to this event, I had only known her as a historical figure, a medieval mystic, and a celebrated composer, but witnessing the devotion of the people during the procession breathed new life into her legacy.

Walking behind her figurative presence through the bustling streets, with her golden relic leading the way, was an experience that resonated with a deep sense of honor. It was as though I was walking in the footsteps of history, joining a centuries-old tradition that had endured through the ages. The relic, gleaming in the sunlight, served as a tangible link to Saint Hildegard’s spiritual influence and enduring impact on the faithful.

Yet, what struck me most was the communal aspect of the event. As I moved alongside the crowd, I felt a profound sense of unity and shared purpose. It was no longer just about filming or documenting; I became a participant in a collective expression of faith and reverence. In those moments, I was reminded that Saint Hildegard’s legacy was not merely confined to the pages of history or the confines of a church. Her spirit was alive and vibrant in the hearts of those who had gathered, and I felt privileged to be a part of that sacred moment.

Saint Hildegard’s influence, as witnessed in that procession, was a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the ability of religious figures to inspire and unite generations of believers. It was a testament to the unbroken thread of devotion that binds the past, present, and future of German Catholics and, indeed, all those who find inspiration in the lives of saints.

Hildegard von Bingen Feast Day, September 17, 2014. Officiated by Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst

Here is a woman that people still worship more than 834 years later, and she is still felt like a living force. It is interesting how the Catholic tradition creates its ritual around a feast day, and I can see how the Middle Ages it still is. The people get spoken to by the priests and the head abbot, they make their offering, and then they get to walk with the relic through the village of Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany which is like a blessing at every door. The abbey had refreshments which consist of wine from the vineyards. White and yellow flags flew proudly for the Vatican Church as this was the first official feast day since she was canonized. It is a tradition worth more examination but one that I am proud to have witnessed.

Michael Conti’s Journal Entry from September 18, 2013

Video from feast day in Bingen, Germany

What is a Catholic feast day?

A Catholic feast day, also known as a liturgical feast or holy day, is a day on the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church that commemorates and celebrates a particular event or person of religious significance. These feast days are an essential part of Catholic worship and spirituality and are observed with special prayers, Masses, and sometimes specific customs or traditions.

There are several types of Catholic feast days, including:

Solemnities: These are the highest-ranking feast days in the liturgical calendar and often commemorate significant events in the life of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or important saints. Examples include Christmas (the birth of Jesus), Easter (the resurrection of Jesus), and the Feast of the Assumption (the bodily assumption of Mary into heaven).

Feasts: These are significant but not as high-ranking as solemnities. Feasts commemorate important events or saints in the Catholic tradition. Examples include the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Mary’s conception without original sin) and the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Memorials: Memorials are lesser feast days that honor individual saints, martyrs, or other figures in the Catholic tradition. Some memorials are obligatory, while others are optional. Examples include the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua and the Memorial of St. Teresa of Ávila.

Optional Memorials: These are feasts or memorials that are celebrated at the discretion of individual priests or parishes, and they may or may not be observed on a given day.

Seasonal Feast Days: Some feast days are tied to specific liturgical seasons, such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.

The liturgical calendar is structured in a way that ensures that important events in the life of Christ and the Church, as well as the lives of saints and martyrs, are remembered and celebrated throughout the year. The specific feast days and their significance can vary among different Catholic rites and regions, but they play a vital role in the worship and spiritual life of Catholics worldwide.

September 18, 2013