If Hildegard of Bingen, the now famed twelfth century Benedictine abbess, actually accomplished half of what the record attributes to her, she still would have been a most remarkable woman, an awe-inspiring human being. Her example remains to this day both a spiritual challenge and a road-map for human creativity and fulfillment.

Hildegard produced eleven books (between nine and eleven, depending on how they are counted) about saints, medicine, natural science, her visions and prophesies, and theology. Additionally, she composed a musical play, poems, and seventy-seven songs. Over three hundred of her letters survive, written to people of all classes, often giving advice, encouragement, and even admonishment. People actively consulted her on a host of issues, especially spiritual matters. Many considered her prescient and prophetic. She was finally canonized on May 10, 2012.

You can read my full 8 page article about Hildegard by clicking here.