Our Saint Hildegard von Bingen Plaque (1098-1179), also known as the “Sibyl of the Rhine,” was a German writer, composer, philosopher, Christian mystic, Benedictine abbess, visionary, and polymath. This plaque is a wonderful gift to celebrate her feast day on September 17th. This plaque is also a great gift for a birthday, first communion, confirmation, and Christmas (“stocking stuffer”!).
A Solid Bronze Wall Plaque in Three Sizes
This solid bronze plaque is available in three sizes: small (p17k – 2 x 1.8 inches), medium (p10m – 4 x 3.25 inches) or large (p43g – 7.9 x 6.3 inches). Thanks to the notch on the back, this plaque will hang easily on any wall in home or office. Designed and realized by a world-renowned bronzesmith in Germany, this plaque is a wonderful gift for that special “Hildegard” in your life!
Saint Hildegard of Bingen – Mystic and Doctor of the Church
Saint Hildegard produced major works of theology and of her mystical visions in an era when few women were even able to write. She was sought out by bishops, popes, and kings for her wisdom and counsel. After learning the healing powers and medicinal uses of plants, animals, trees, and stones, she authored treatises of her findings. Hildegard is the first composer of music whose life is known in detail. One of the works she composed, the Ordo Virtutum, is an early example of liturgical drama and perhaps the oldest extant morality play. She founded a convent where the sisters performed her musical plays. Although she has been revered as a saint for centuries, and several Popes have referred to her by that title, she was never officially canonized. So Pope Benedict XIV eliminated any lingering uncertainty by announcing on May 10, 2012 that St. Hildegard should be inscribed in the catalog of saints. Musicologists and historians of science and religion have spurred on a revival of interest in this extraordinary woman of the Middle Ages. She was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI on October 7, 2012. She is now the fourth woman Doctor of the Church after St. Teresa of Avila, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Therese of Lisieux. There are in all now only 34 Doctors of the Church.
