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The Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress of the Canon of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco hosts
Radiant Life, a look at the meditations of Hildegard of Bingen, an unusual woman for her time. Born in the Rhineland in 1098, the 10th child in her family, she was tithed to the church by her parents, as was customary. At 18 she took her vows as a Benedictine nun and in her 30s became abbess. Braving the anger of the monks (who depended upon the women's dowries for their support), she formed an independent Benedictine order just for women. Most remarkable, at the age of 42 she began to have "lucid visionary experiences" about the relationship between people, God, and the natural world, which she called "The Web of Creation." With the knowledge that all of creation is a song of praise to God, she wrote six major books, poems, and songs, as well as the first morality play. Her knowledge of herbal remedies and women's medicine was extensive, and she authored medical texts. This video explores the beliefs held by this remarkable nun. With her beautiful liturgical chants in the background, illustrated by religious and natural imagery, the writings of Hildegard are reverently read, creating a moving spiritual meditation.
--Jenny Brown
