6 Questions You Might Have About Saint Hildegard of Bingen

Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) was a Benedictine nun and abbess of the Middle Ages. Blessed with visions from her earliest childhood, Hildegard shared exceptional divine revelations and  prophecies with the world. In her writings, Saint Hildegard covers a multitude of topics essential to human life on earth: the creation of the universe, humanity’s place at the heart of the cosmos, the riches of nature for humanity’s physical and spiritual well-being, and the events to come for humanity until the end of the world, among others. Discover the answers to all your questions about this extraordinary woman.

Is the story of Hildegard true?

Yes, Hildegard of Bingen was a historical figure; she was born in 1098 in Bermersheim, Germany, and died on September 17, 1179, in Rupertsberg. She was a Benedictine abbess and founded several monasteries. Several historical sources recount the life of Saint Hildegard:

• The monk Theodoric of Echternach wrote her hagiography, titled Vita sanctae Hildegardis.
• The Benedictine monk Saint Guibert of Gembloux was Hildegard’s secretary and recorded her notes.
• Hildegard herself recorded her mystical visions in three theological works: Scivias, Liber Vitae Meritorum, and Liber Divinorum Operum.

Why is Hildegard of Bingen famous?

• Hildegard of Bingen is widely known today for her dietary advice. Considered the first European naturopath, Hildegard received divine revelations regarding healthy eating.
• Hildegard is known for her theology as described in her mystical works.
• Hildegard is famous as a composer and musician.
• Hildegard is known for her eschatological prophecies.

What are Hildegard’s areas of expertise?

Hildegard identifies foods that are excellent for health, certain foods to avoid, offers recipes, and provides remedies based on plants and minerals.

Here are St. Hildegard’s top 5 foods:

• Non-hybridized emmer wheat (distinct from einkorn wheat) is an ancient variety of wheat. Hildegard considers it the best grain for promoting overall well-being. It is a source of protein, contains all 8 essential amino acids, and is also rich in minerals, vitamins, trace elements, and magnesium. Hildegard states that “spelt brings a joyful spirit and fills the human mind with gladness.” It also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Fennel: also known as sweet dill, sweet anise, common fennel, or vineyard fennel. Rich in potassium, zinc, vitamin B9, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It can be eaten in any form, raw or cooked; Hildegard notes that it is excellent for digestion.
• Chestnuts: This fruit is rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Hildegard notes that chestnuts help reduce anxiety and promote brain health.
• Almonds: This nut is rich in magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, iodine, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9. According to Hildegard, almonds are good for the liver and the nervous system.
• Red galangal and pyrethrum. These spices are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

What is the Hildegardian diet?

The Hildegardian diet is detailed in her work Physica. In it, Saint Hildegard presents a holistic view of nutrition, emphasizing the connection between the health of the soul and the body and demonstrating that the two go hand in hand. Hildegard catalogs foods, specifying their effects on the body—whether beneficial or harmful. For her, the best food is non-hybridized emmer wheat. Next come fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Hildegard identifies certain foods that she considers “poisons” for the body (leeks, plums, peaches, strawberries, and pork). In the 20th century, the saint’s writings were rediscovered and studied by two enthusiasts: an Austrian, Dr. Hertzka, and a German, Wighard Strehlow. Together, they rediscovered her advice and recipes, analyzing and scientifically verifying them.

What was Hildegard of Bingen’s religious experience?

From childhood, Hildegard was blessed with mystical visions  of the “divine light.” At the Lord’s command, she recorded her visions—which she regarded as direct divine revelations —in her works, such as Scivias. After becoming a nun and abbess, Hildegard continued to receive visions concerning the creation of the universe, humanity’s place at the heart of the cosmos, the Church, the end times, and the Last Judgment, among other things. In her own time, Hildegard was regarded as a prophetess and advisor.

Hildegard’s spiritual experience was validated during her lifetime by Pope Eugene III at the Council of Trier (1147). She was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.

Here are a few excerpts from the prophecies of Hildegard of Bingen, which, in their complete form, are rich and detailed.

• Prophecies about the time of tribulation:

“When the fear of God is completely cast aside, atrocious and cruel wars will break out one after another; a multitude of people will be slaughtered in them, and many cities will be reduced to a heap of ruins.” “The Lord will place in the hands of our enemies the rod of iron intended to avenge Him cruelly for our iniquities. But when society has finally been completely purified by these tribulations, people, weary of so many horrors, will return fully to the practice of justice and will faithfully submit to the laws of the Church, which make us so pleasing to God, with the fear of the Lord.”

• Prophecies about the Antichrist:

“The son of perdition is that most wicked beast who will put to death those who refuse to believe in him, who will ally himself with kings, princes, the great and the rich, who will despise humanity and value only pride, and who will ultimately subjugate the entire universe through diabolical means.”

• Prophecies about the period of grace that will follow the time of purification:

“In those blessed days, amid a most soothing atmosphere, the gentlest clouds will pour down upon the earth. They will cover it with greenery and fruit, because people will then devote themselves to all works of righteousness, whereas in the preceding days—so desolate due to the world’s effeminate morals— the elements, violated by the sins of men, will have been reduced to the point of being unable to produce anything good. Princes will rival their peoples in zeal to ensure that God’s law reigns everywhere. They will ban the use of weapons of war; iron will no longer be used for any purpose other than cultivating the land and providing for life’s necessities.”

With Hozana, pray and let yourself be guided by Saint Hildegard

• Discover this novena to women saints , including Saint Hildegard of Bingen, to grow your trust in God. For 9 days, you’ll pray with 9 different women saints!
• Discover this novena to Saint Anthony, for spiritual renewal!
• During this novena, St. Michael's Abbey invites you on a unique inner pilgrimage to journey towards the Light!