Today it's Egeria vs. Hildegard of Bingen. The world's original "Mystery Worshipper" vs. a 12th century renaissance woman. Both have had a major impact upon the Christianity we have inherited, yet only one will advance to the Saintly Sixteen. We're expecting a flurry of comments on this. Let the agonizing over votes begin!
But first, speaking of comments, sometime during yesterday's battle between Jackson Kemper and Margery Kempe, we passed the 20,000 comment milestone on the Lent Madness website. That's a lot of conversation about holy people, don't you think?
Oh, and Kemper trounced Kempe 74% to 26% meaning he'll face the winner of Bernard Mizecki vs. Margaret of Antioch in the Saintly Sixteen.
Egeria
Egeria gives us the earliest glimpse we have into organized Christian practice and belief.
We don’t know much about who she was, exactly. Many say she was a Spanish nun, which makes sense given her unusually high level of literacy — and the way she addressed those she wrote to as sisters. Others point out she must have been an unusual sort of nun, if she was a nun at all. Her letters were detailed and practical, betraying none of the fascination with the miraculous and fanciful that some other clerical pilgrims loved. And what sort of nun was free to travel around the known world for years at a time? Possibly this made her a sort of wandering monastic — additionally unusual for her time. Or maybe she was a very devout noblewoman, called to pilgrimage, who wrote letters home to other devout women at her church.
Egeria traveled across much of the known world during 381-384 CE to Jerusalem, Mount Sinai, Constantinople, and Edessa. Her letters were collected in monasteries and copied, then copied again. They were housed in the library of Monte Cassino, and the oldest surviving copies were made there in the eleventh century.
Egeria recorded everything: she stayed in Jerusalem to witness an entire liturgical year and wrote down the liturgical practices of the local Christians. She described the holy sites on the Mount of Olives and the rituals around Holy Week. She told of the ritual of the eucharist as practiced in Jerusalem, and Egeria applauded the practice of reading from the Old and New Testaments as well as passages from the gospels. She described the process by which catechumens were taught the faith and baptized. It is from Egeria that we know about Holy Week rituals like the veneration of the Cross and the procession of the palms on Palm Sunday. It is also from her that we hear for the first time of the Easter Vigil and lighting of the first fire of Easter.
She described liturgical practice at a time when Christian beliefs were just becoming unified across the known world. Remember, the Second Ecumenical Council met in 384 CE, so Egeria was traveling and writing about liturgical practice before the formalization of the Nicene Creed, much less other traditions of the Church.
Through her bravery, her wandering feet, and her meticulous eye for detail, Egeria connected our liturgical practice with that of our earliest sisters and brothers in Christ.
Collect for Egeria
Jesus, our brother, as we, like Egeria, dare to follow in the steps you trod, be our companion on the way. May our eyes see not only the stones that saw you but the people who walk with you now; may our feet tread not only the path of your pain but the streets of a living city; may our prayers embrace not only the memory of your presence but the flesh and blood who jostle us today. Bless us, with them, and make us long to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. Amen.
Hildegard
Hildegard of Bingen is one of the most accomplished women in church history. The twelfth-century abbess was a mystic, theologian, composer, cloistered nun, and autodidact who wrote one of the largest bodies of letters to survive from the Middle Ages.
Born into a noble family and sickly from birth, Hildegard experienced visions beginning in early childhood. Perhaps because of them, her family dedicated her to the church; her fellow brides of Christ recognized her gifts for leadership, unanimously voting her abbess.
At the age of forty-two, Hildegard received a divine vision to“write down that which you see and hear.” Hesitant to do so, she resisted and became physically ill. “But I, though I saw and heard these things, refused to write for a long time through doubt and...in the exercise of humility, until, laid low by the scourge of God, I fell upon a bed of sickness; then, compelled at last by many illnesses...I set my hand to the writing.”
Later, she commissioned an ornate manuscript of her writings, including images of her visions. The original was lost in World War II, but its images were preserved in a copy painted in the 1920s. Notably, these theological works contain one of the earliest descriptions of purgatory.
Hildegard’s musical compositions make up one of the largest extant medieval collections in the world. Her medical writings demonstrate her vast experience in the monastery’s herbal garden and infirmary. Physica and Causae et Curae provide a rare view into the practical medicine employed primarily by medieval women. Hildegard believed there was a vital connection between the natural world and human health. Her reputation as a medical writer and healer was used in early arguments for women’s right to attend medical school. Hildegard also invented an alternative mystical language, the Lingua Ignota, perhaps to strengthen the bonds among her nuns, and potentially as a result of all that time she spent in her herb garden.
On September 17, 1179, Hildegard died, and two beams of light were said to shine across the sky and into her room. Her relics are housed in her parish in Eibingen, Germany. In Anglican churches, she is commemorated on the day of her death.
Modern feminist scholars have drawn attention to the way Hildegard strategically belittled herself and other women in her writing, and thus claimed her wisdom had solely divine origin, giving her the authority to speak in a time and place where few women could do so. She also stated that, “woman may be made from man, but no man can be made without a woman.”
In space, the minor planet 898 Hildegard is named for her, which only seems fair, given her astronomical intellect and accomplishments.
Collect for Hildegard
God of all times and seasons: Give us grace that we, after the example of thy servant Hildegard, may both know and make known the joy and jubilation of being part of thy creation, and show forth thy glory not only with our lips but in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Vote!
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364 comments on “Egeria vs. Hildegard”
Hardest choice yet. Had to re-read and ponder several times. In the end it was all that talk about Hildegard and her herbs and the time she spent in her herb garden that did it for me. It almost led me to the temptation to sneak into my neighbors yard and snip one of their herbs that was recently legalized here in Washington State to assist in my decision. But I did not. Clear head. Clear choice. Egeria!
Both worthy candidates with similar accomplishments, but Hildegard was the first woman composer from that time period I'd ever heard of, and I love her music.
So Hildegard it is!
As the liturgical officer for my diocese, a two-time pilgrim to Jerusalem, and the Secretary to the Board of Directors of the North American Committee for St. George's College, Jerusalem (SBDNACSGCJ - hey SEC, how's that for a handle?), my vote today goes to Egeria. Think Hildegard is quite the accomplished saint, but Egeria's diligent and loving records have enriched the worship of the faithful beyond measure. And want a life changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land? Check out St. George's at http://www.facebook.com/sgcjerusalem
If Egeria wins then I will learn more about the contributions of this saint I never heard of before. Seems a good enough reason...
Thank you, Cassandra, for posting the beautiful music of Hildegard and to Nathaniel for reference to Hildegarde-society.org. She had written "Singing summons the Holy Spirit." I cast my vote for her!
My vote is for Hildegarde! As a very young girl she was given my her parents to the church. She was actually entombed in a cloistered setting with Jutta, a teenage visionary. The two lived and worked together in isolation - praying, caring for a small garden.. When Jutta died, the walls of the tomb were taken down to remove the body and Hildegard fought for her own independence. She was placed in charge of a group of nuns. She then, fought for an independent residence for her nuns. She was never one to cower away from a challenge. She's an intelligent spiritual woman who stood up to men! I learned a lot about her reading the book "Illuminations" by Mary Sharratt. She impressed me as a person, as a visionary and she clearly was a saint! She made contributions to theology, music, and medicine.
Some quotes from Hildegard:
"A human being is a vessel that God has built for himself and filled with his inspiration so that his works are perfected in it."
HILDEGARD OF BINGEN, letter to Elisabeth of Schönau, c. 1152
"Just as a mirror, which reflects all things, is set in its own container, so too the rational soul is placed in the fragile container of the body. In this way, the body is governed in its earthly life by the soul, and the soul contemplates heavenly things through faith."
HILDEGARD OF BINDEN, letter to the Monk Guibert, 1175
This was an extremely tough choice. Our Christian roots and traditions were set down to be shared and to inspire future generations by these two women. Neither probably understood fully the impact she would have. Both are testiments to what one person can do and the difference a quiet, reflective life can make.
Today is the day that I might have to cheat and vote twice! I can't make up my mind!
Like so many others here, this was an agonizing choice. I voted for Egeria simply because I want her to move on to the next round so I can learn more about her!
Such fun. As someone relatively new to the Episcopal church, Lent Madness has been a delightful way to learn and interact! Just had to thank you for this introduction to Egeria...who took my vote! I love meeting these new heroes from so many times and cultures.
Hildegard even has her own movie! It was very faithful to her biography and beautifully filmed; highly recommended. I love Egeria, too, so this was tough--but Hildegard was an amazing Renaissance woman--even before the Renaissance!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0995850/
BBC's "Great Lives" Podcast did one on Hidegard a year or so ago, and listening to her music and listening about her writing really made me adore her. She was really a great person.
I did a little research on the two. What strikes me most is that it appears (from what little I read so far) that Egeria does not mention her personal relationship with God. She seems more to be a great pioneer and journalist to me. I read a little of her writings and I can't wait to read more but Hildegaard's suffering and resulting relationship to God and all creation really speaks to me.
I have not read a lot about Hildegaard either and anxious to do so. But based on what I have read she must have suffered deeply being rejected (even if lovingly) at such a young age by her family and separated from her siblings to live such an odd life with strangers. I can relate to her in that I lost my family at a very young age and also suffered several long-term illnesses. Yet out that pain and suffering came my most profound connection to God as Christ suffering on the Cross and how that connects to all suffering. But unlike Hildegaard who continually said "Yes" to God, selflessly moved on with her life and gave birth to a phenomenal amount of grace and good, I still have many hurdles to overcome to even begin to follow in her footsteps.
Wow! What a match up! I have held a great affection for Hildegard for her music, elevation of women, and gardening, all right down my alley. Also I find that she has a minor planet and I have a star. Now you give me Egeria and as I consider myself a lay liturgist, you have brought me out of my lurking into the comment community. I, too, wish to know where her writings can be found. I haven't voted yet. Conflicted.
Such wonderful, thoughtful probings here and contributions to our mutual knowledge and understanding! Possibly not being able to "like" comments helps maintain the civility of our sharing?
Anyway, after some convoluted thinking, I cast my vote for Egeria in thanks to the SEC for bringing her to my attention.
I expected Hildegard to win by a landslide, and it was a surprise to see Egeria in the lead. I voted for her because of her significant contribution to our knowledge of the early Church. This was another difficult choice. Keep challenging us, SEC. This is how we learn and grow.
what a difficult decision, both so important in history......love reading all the comments to give more insight.....hard to decide who gets my vote, but ultimately had to go with Hildegard, given all her work with herbs and medicine and her connection to the earth and healing, as well, as all her musical contributions, maybe Egeria will be a wildcard and we will be able to cast yet another vote, in her favor!
This was a hard choice! I really like both of them, and I'm glad to learn about Egeria for the first time. I hope that whichever woman doesn't continue on to the next round comes back next year!
My vote goes to the Visionary Doctor of the Divine Work. In Hildegard's final volume of visionary theology, the "Liber Divinorum Operum" ("Book of Divine Works"), she elaborates grand vision of all of salvation history as the Work of God, a work in which humans are direct and essential participants, effecting the work to its consummation. This project is at the center and culmination of Hildegard’s entire theological project. When the Word of God, by speaking (or singing!) which God created the world at the beginning of time, became a human being, fulfilling his eternal predestination, the world was set on its perfect course, the malicious plots of the Devil brought to naught. This is also the impetus of for her contributions to the musical liturgy, for the daily hours of prayer and psalmody that set the rhythm of Hildegard’s holy monastic life were described by St. Benedict as the Opus Dei, the Work of God.
It is a work of community, a work of creation, a work of speech that sings and visions that illuminate. The Work of God is the irruption of the divine into creation, into history, so that human beings might participate and glorify in God’s Love. The scope of Hildegard’s visionary theology is both cosmic and close—reflections of God’s loving revelation of himself to humanity are both grand and utterly intimate, calling us day-by-day to join in the heavenly banquet. Hildegard presents us with a breathtaking and lifegiving image of God and ourselves, working together towards the perfection of Love. We are the Divine Work.
I have made two of the Liber Divinorum Operum's most beautiful visions available online, in advance of the publication of the work's first full, scholarly translation next year in CUA Press's "Fathers (!) of the Church, Medieval Continuation" series:
https://www.academia.edu/3597758/Hildegard_of_Bingen_Book_of_Divine_Works_Part_I_Vision_1
https://www.academia.edu/5545465/Hildegard_of_Bingen_Book_of_Divine_Works_Part_III_Vision_3
Thankyou....very excited about this.
Nathaniel, what a fine statement of the case for Hildegarde! In graduate school I audited a course on the 12th Century Renaissance taught by Herbert Bloch of Monte Cassino fame, and it gave me a whole new perspectiive on the ancient and medieval worlds in relation to each other and to us Johnny-come-latelies. Nobilissima Visione indeed!
Oh, *please* tell me the exclamation point is part of the actual series title....
CUA Press’s “Fathers (!) of the Church, Medieval Continuation” series
Of the almost 150 volumes published in either the patristic or the medieval sections of CUA's Fathers of the Church series, as far as I know, Hildegard will be the first female author. So yeah, the exclamation point is my own addition, to note the irony.
I am fascinated by the Lone Rangers of Christianity. ( who was that masked woman?) Here is one who travelled long
distances ostensibly by herself
...couldn't have been easy..courage and tenacity I bet..driven by a love of God ..she has my vote.
I was inclined to Hildegard because of my passing familiarity with her music and reputation. When I read Egeria's story, however, I was more intrigued by her journey at a time when the Christian world was still new. As a journalist, I can relate to her writings about everything she saw and her eagerness to share them. Nun or nomadic noblewoman, she got my vote. And that wasn't easy.
Hildegard is one of my heroes. She was so courageous. Her music pulls at my heart strings. When I play her music for my students, they say it sounds like angels singing.
The toughest match-up this season! I was prepared to vote for Hildegard, whom I know well through her music, writings and the film someone else mentioned. Had never heard of Egeria, but I'm fascinated by her and would've loved to be her travel companion. Must meditate on this before I vote.
Self-deprecating women get in my craw, Egeria all the way and the beauty that is in liturgy!
Before I read the descriptions I thought it was a no brainier to vote for Hilda since I knew a lot about her already and have a several of her songs on iTunes. I have always admired her. But upon reading Egeria's story I was struck with the view she is like the venerable Bede except on a much broader world level recording the early history of the church and passing on the formative practices of the early Christian church. To be honest I could vote for either and hope both win. But Egeria's story was more compelling this morning over this morning's cup of coffee.
I love the enlightened of Lent Madness and the ensuing comments each Saintly battle brings.
Wrestling with Saints and my fellow Lenten groupies is a rewarding educational and spiritual experience.
Go Saints! Go Lenten Commentors!!
Music and herbs, Hildegard is my woman today.
Dare I say without Egeria there would have been no Hildegard?
Well, you can say it, but it wouldn't be true!
Yes Millie. And with love for the memory of my dear hubby singing the Exultet and my own experiences of pilgrimage in Jerusalem and Istanbul/ Constantinople, I'm voting for Egeria.
As a language teacher, gardener, and fallen-away violinist, I have to go with Hildegard.
My vote went to the historian - Egeria.
Unfair, SEC! Y'all are mean!! Cannot decide. I love them both. Must ponder this one....
Yesterday I think that too many voters gave Margery Kempe short shrift and tossed her off as a flawed human being with symptoms that portrayed her as a weepy drama queen with perpetual postpartum depression who waffled on her parental and marital duties and ran off to become a pilgrim. Some commenters had done background reading and homework, and I was impressed with the thoughtful details revealed about the gift of tears in devotion and phenomenon of mysticism, which when probed, in Margery's case reveals that she had mystical visions of Jesus that caused her life to change. She turned to Julian of Norwich for mentorship in properly understanding these visions. During the Middle Ages her medieval piety set her up to arouse suspicions of heresy; however, in our enlightened state, how can we denigrate her deeply personal spiritual experiences without attempting to understand who she was in the context of her faith and her calling. I am drawn to seeking out and reading a copy of Margery Kempe's autobiography titled "The Book of Margery Kempe."
I'm with you!