It is time that women at QUUF took a day off and enjoyed each other. Hopefully, we can secure a full retreat in the autumn. But, in the meantime, we can take a day to learn about an amazing woman, Hildegard of Bingen. So set the date on your calendar – May 6 from 10am to 3pm.
Dr. Gerda Lerner, historian, was asked to name ten women who changed the world but have been left out of mainstream history. The first woman she named was Hildegard of Bingen.
Who was she? Hildegard of Bingen was born in 1098, in Germany, the tenth child of a noble family. She lived in a time of change when Europe was changing from smaller provinces to the rule of kings. It was a time of great upheaval.
Despite the great social change, Hildegard was an artist, a musician, a prioress, a poet, a theologian, a healer, preacher, and a consultant to: Popes Anastasius IV, Adrian IV, and Eugenius III, King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Byzantine Empress Irene, and the German Emperor Barbarossa. She even wrote an opera! She has been called the female “Martin Luther.”
During this retreat, we will look at the gifts that Hildegard has given us. We will examine her art, her thought, and her delight in the created world. We will spend time with some of her Mandalas as we examine symbolic consciousness.
Hildegard lived in a time that rejoiced in symbolic consciousness. During her era, the legend of the Holy Grail emerged, the Cathedral of Chartres was built, and the concept of metaphor in religious thought became central.
Spend some time examining symbols, stories, and images that can awaken and enliven our spiritual lives.
During our time together, we will listen to Hildegard’s story, her art, and her music. Katy Taylor, who has studied Hildegard’s music and enjoys singing it, will lead us in a new appreciation of Hildegard’s music, inviting us to experience the musical modes Hildegard composed in and to sing simple responses. We will work with our own mandalas, take a walk, enjoy sharing food together, and just relax and hear the stories that each of us will bring. If you wish to register for this day (May 6), please email Kate.
I have performed the music of Hildegard von Bingam many times and am austounded with her talents. But it looks like I am the wrong sex agfain.
I would definitely like to come.
I have taken a course on this brilliant woman with Road Scholar
many years ago in California.I am delighted to know we have
an opportunity to learn more about her! I will be there!
Excellent choice! As a former spiritual director, I have studied everything I could about Hildegard for years and consider her to be one of the most important citizens of the world. I’ll be there.