Saint Hildegard of Bingen
(1098-1179) produced major works of theology and of her mystical visions in an
era when few women were even able to write. She was sought out by bishops,
popes, and kings for her wisdom and counsel. After learning the healing powers
and medicinal uses of plants, animals, trees, and stones, she authored
treatises of her findings. Hildegard is the first composer of music whose life
is known in detail. She founded a convent where the sisters performed her
musical plays. Although she has been revered as a saint for centuries, and
several Popes have referred to her by that title, she was never officially
canonized. So Pope Benedict XVI eliminated any lingering uncertainty by
announcing on May 10, 2012 that St. Hildegard should be inscribed in the
catalogue of saints. Musicologists and historians of science and religion have
spurred on a revival of interest in this extraordinary woman of the Middle
Ages. Her feast day is September 17. She was declared a Doctor of the Church by
Pope Benedict XVI on October 7, 2012. She will be the fourth woman Doctor of
the Church after St. Teresa of Avila, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Therese
of Lisieux. There are in all only 33 Doctors of the Church ■
