25 September 2026

Three things contributed to Hildegard’s extraordinary influence. The first was her position as abbess. Most of the nuns were of noble birth. The monastery had connections with rich, powerful and influential people in the land. It was a place of prayer and learning. It facilitated the creation of networks which surprise us today.

The second was her preaching ministry. When most women nowadays may be thinking about retiring at 67, Hildegard discerned a vocation to ministry which was granted to few women until the twentieth century. For twelve years, she preached to the clergy and laity, in institutions and in public.

The third was her amazing correspondence. Three hundred of her letters survive. She corresponded with the Emperor, four popes,  archbishops, abbots and priests, ordinary members of the church. She even wrote a letter to Henry II of England about the importance of integrity.

She writes to Abbess Hazzecha.  Hezzecha wants to give up her vocation as abbess and become a hermit instead. Hildegard sees through her self-willed motivation immediately and encourages her to take a reality check. Instead of trying to escape her responsibilities, she should get on with it!

On her letter to Pope Anastasius IV, she doesn’t mince her words. ‘So it is, O man, that you sit in the chief seat of the Lord, hold him in contempt when you embrace evil, since you do not reject it but kiss it, by silently tolerating it in depraved men.’