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The Secret World Of Hildegard

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It was during the Middle Ages when everything seemed so dark gray and dreary. Little girls were not allowed to attend school and never learned to read. Little Hildegard was a very strange and unusual girl. When she was only three years old she began to predict things. This frightened her parents very much. She often claimed her head hurt and she said she saw "flames and stars."

It wasn't long after this she was sent away to a monastery. It had beautiful gardens, but her stone room was barren and unwelcoming, yet there was someone there who would help her. Jutta, a nun, taught her to read and do many things. Much later on when Hildegard grew up, she was elected "Mistress," as she was so beloved in the monastery. Eventually she dictated her visions, which she claimed came from God. She wrote music, wrote about medicine, entire languages and more. Eventually she presented a book to the Pope. She was modest and said simply, "I am just a feather on the breath of God."

This is a marvelous story, told with poetic simplicity. Hildegard von Bingen was what people called today a "mystic visionary," or prophet. The art work is beautiful . . . acrylic and pen on Arches watercolor paper. There are a brief biography and bibliography in the back of the book. Hildegard was a multi talented woman that many young people would want to acquaint themselves within the pages of this book!

In this beautifully written and illustrated simple text, readers are drawn into the mysticism of Hildegard that has much to offer contemporary spirituality. While it is ideal for sharing with young children, adults as well can find room for contemplation in this lovely sharing of a gifted woman's faith experience.