Why would a woman who lived in the 12th century hold such an appeal for us in the 21st century? What does Hildegard have to say to us today, 900 years later?

She would, no doubt, say that time has no relevance in spiritual matters.

She would tell us of her visions of heavenly voices, her intense spiritual journeys guided by the voice of Lady Wisdom, Sophia. She would give us a picture of heaven and the celestial hierarchy. She would unfold scripture and share its deepest and most profound meaning. She would say that God, Jesus the Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary, angels, saint and martyrs are all real and occupying the celestial realm.

Hildegard's story is important to all as an inspirational account of an irresistible spirit and vibrant intellect overcoming social, physical, cultural, gender barriers to achieve timeless transcendence.

Hildegard lived an extraordinary life. She was literally given to the Church at the age of 8 to spend the next 6 years of her life virtually alone with the recluse, Jutta, next to a Benedictine monastery. At the age of 14 their home became a convent and Hildegard became a Benedictine sister. When Jutta died, Hildegard became the abbess. She and her sisters eventually left this first convent amidst much controversy and found two other convents, one of which still exists today in Germany. Hildegard's visions began at the age of 3 and continued until the end of her life, but she kept them concealed until she was 42 when she, a frail woman at best, was stricken with a particularly harsh illness. She said she heard a voice say " write down what you see and hear in these visions," and after reconciling herself to doing that, she recovered her health. She described her visions in word, paintings, poetry and chant. She began work on the first book of her visions known as "Scivias" that would take 10 years to complete. Having learned of her visions, the Church conducted a thorough interrogation and declared her visions to be authentic and true. She was given a papal blessing and encouragement to continue.

And continue she did, becoming known for her prophesy and advice to both religious and lay leaders. People also flocked to her for her healing practices with herbs and, in record cases, miraculous touch.

Hildegard composed over 70 pieces of chant for the Benedictine practice of the Liturgy of the Hours and for other liturgical celebrations. She is also thought to have composed the first music drama. She believed her music was Divinely inspired. Participating in music by either making it or listening was, to Hildegard, A sacred event. Her music was a connection between the human and Divine spheres. She described music as the "Language of Paradise" before the fall of humanity.

She is also remembered for her keen ability to interpret her visions in detail and her understanding of the human condition. In her sixties, she left the safety of her convent and went out on preaching tours (unheard of for a woman) warning clergy of their lax and corrupt ways and admonishing the laity to not be fooled by a heretical group then preaching in the streets. Her boldness came not from her own strength and will, she said, but by the the "Living Light", from which she derived her very existence.

Legend says that when she died at the age of 81, two beams of light intersected to form a cross above her room.

Compiled by Carol McAndrew