Patron Saint of musicians, writers, and ecology. St. Hildegard of Bingen lived in Germany in the 12th century. At an early age, she was sent to live with nuns, who taught her how to read and write. She didn’t begin to write formally until she was 42, but once she started, she didn’t slow down.

In 1141, Hildegard began to experience a series of visions she described as “a flow of light” that “kindled her whole heart, not burning but warming.” At first, she was reluctant to speak of her visions, but she eventually came to believe that she had been called by God to share them with the world.

Her visions were the inspiration for her many writings about a wide range of topics, including theology and medicine. She also wrote music that is still performed today and is considered to be some of the most beautiful and expressive music of the Middle Ages. There are more surviving chants by Hildegard than by any other composer from the Middle Ages, and she is one of the few known composers to have written both the music and the lyrics.

Hildegard’s other works include three volumes of theology, two volumes on natural medicine, one of the largest bodies of letters to survive from the Middle Ages, and many sermons in which she denounced clerical corruption and called for reform.

Few women during this time were permitted to preach publicly, but she attracted many by her humility, intellect, and holiness.

In 2012, she was named a Doctor of the Church.

Prayer: Holy Spirit,Bringing light into dark places, igniting praise, Greatest gift, our Hope and Encourager, Holy Spirit of Christ, I praise you! Amen. – Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179AD)