Home · Saints · St. Hildegard of Bingen
Portrait of St. Hildegard of Bingen
A portrait of St. Hildegard of Bingen

St. Hildegard of Bingen

1098 – 1179
Feast
September 17 · XII c.
Patron of
Musicians · Writers · Herbalists · Ecology
Order
Abbess / Doctor of the Church / Mystic

German Benedictine abbess and polymath (1098-1179), "Sibyl of the Rhine"; tenth child of a noble family, oblate from age eight, abbess and foundress of Rupertsberg and Eibingen. Author of theological visions ("Scivias"), liturgical music, medical and natural-philosophical works; corresponded with popes, emperors, and kings. Equipollent canonization and Doctor of the Church 2012 by Benedict XVI.

Life & Times

Born: 1098 · Died: 1179 · From: Germany.

Patronage

St. Hildegard of Bingen is invoked as the patron of musicians, writers, herbalists, ecology. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.

“I, the highest and fiery power, have kindled every spark of life. The air lives by turning green and being in bloom. The waters flow as if they were alive.”
— Liber Divinorum Operum (Book of Divine Works), Vision 1 (1163)

Shop St. Hildegard of Bingen Products

Devotional items honoring St. Hildegard of Bingen, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.

About Catholic Saints

Catholic saints, including St. Hildegard of Bingen, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.