Cookies of Joy! The Wisdom of St Hildegard of Bingen
Monday, September 16
7:00 PM
Parish Social Hall
Join us for an evening of joyful learning and delicious baking as we celebrate the life and legacy of St. Hildegard of Bingen, whose feast day is September 17. As we bake her famous “Cookies of Joy,” we’ll reflect on the wisdom, courage, and creativity of one of the most extraordinary women in Church history.
Who Was St. Hildegard?
St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) was a:
- Writer
- Composer
- Herbalist and Medical Practitioner
- Mystic
- Philosopher
She lived during the High Middle Ages and was known for her visionary experiences, deep theological insights, and groundbreaking work in natural medicine. Though revered for centuries, she was officially canonized and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012—833 years after her death. She is one of only four women Doctors of the Church and is the patron saint of ecology, musicians, and writers.
A Woman of Many Gifts
St. Hildegard’s talents were vast and varied:
- Art and Illumination
- Sacred Music Composition
- Spiritual Writing and Theology
- Natural Medicine and Herbology
- Culinary Creativity
From a young age, she experienced vivid visions that she described through all five senses. She believed nature was a gift from God meant for healing and wholeness, and she spent much of her life studying and experimenting with herbs, food, and natural remedies.
Healing Wisdom Ahead of Her Time
St. Hildegard wrote extensively about:
- Preventing infection (e.g., boiling water)
- Herbal treatments and home remedies
- Agricultural injuries (cuts, burns, fractures)
- The connection between body and soul in healing
Her holistic approach continues to inspire natural health practitioners and theologians alike.
Words of Wonder: Quotes from St. Hildegard
“The mystery of God hugs you in its all-encompassing arms.”
“There is the music of Heaven in all things.”
“Holy Spirit, the life that gives life:
You are the cause of all movement.
You are the breath of all creatures.
You are the salve that purifies our souls.
You are the ointment that heals our wounds.
You are the fire that warms our hearts.
You are the light that guides our feet.
Let all the world praise you.”
A Prayer from Hildegard
O Eternal Lord
by St. Hildegard von Bingen
O eternal Lord,
it is pleasing to you
to burn in that same fire of love,
like that from which our bodies are born,
and from which you begot your Son
in the first dawn before all of Creation.
So consider this need which falls upon us,
and relieve us of it for the sake of your Son,
and lead us in joyous prosperity.
Don’t Miss This Evening of Joy & Insight
Come learn, bake, and be inspired by St. Hildegard’s life, legacy, and Cookies of Joy. All are welcome—bring a friend!