St. Hildegard – September 17th
God favored this German nun with many special messages and she felt she should write them down, but she was too afraid. Everyone wrote in Latin in her time and she did not know Latin very well. Besides, she feared people would not believe that her visions were real. At last, however, after she had become Abbess of her convent, St. Hildegard wrote about Our Lord’s love for us, about His kingdom, the angels, the devil, and hell. An Archbishop read her writings and approved them, saying: “These visions are from God.” The Pope himself expressed happiness at these favors God had granted her, and warned her not to become proud.
St. Hildegard had many unusual talents. She wrote hymns and sacred poems and even a holy play for her nuns to enjoy in recreation time. She wrote two books on medicine and science. The scientific book is a very careful description of trees, fish, birds, animals, and metals.
Although very sick and often criticized by many people, the Saint wrote hundreds of letters to emperors and kings, to popes and bishops, and to other saints. She traveled to many convents and monasteries and to many cities to tell people what Our Lord had told her. Nor was she afraid to scold those who were sinning, and to warn some that God would punish them. If they became angry, it did not frighten St. Hildegard. “I am a poor vessel made of earth,” she would say, “and I do not say these things of myself. They come from God, the calm Light.” Her whole life was full of much activity joined with a deep peace in God, and in this same joyful peace, she died.
Sometimes we think it is difficult to be good because many around us are not good. They may even make fun of us and be mean to us. But we will learn from this Saint to be brave and be different, which means to be what we should be.
