Pope, at audience, speaks on feminine insights of St. Hildegard of Bingen
September 08, 2010
At his weekly public audience on September 8, Pope Benedict XVI continued his reflections on the contributions that women have made to Catholic theology, and particularly the influence of St. Hildegard of Bingen.
Expanding on the talk that he had begun the previous week, the Pontiff said that the mystical visions of St. Hildegard were “rich in theological content.” Her insights, the Pope said, offered a new appreciation of the mystical marriage between God and mankind. Women can provide valuable insights into theological truths from their distinct perspective, the Pope observed.
Continuing his remarks on the works of the 12th-century German mystic, the Pope spoke about the remarkable breadth of her wisdom. She took a special interest in medicine and in music, the sciences and poetry. "For her, all of creation was a symphony of the Holy Spirit, Who is in Himself joy and contentment.”
Above all, St. Hildegard was renowned for her spiritual guidance, and recognized in particular as an authoritative voice in support of interior renewal for monastic and religious communities.
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