1. FEMALE DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
HILDEGARD VON BINGEN:
FEMALE DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

2. A Woman of Many Talents Nun Visions Music (chant) Astrology
Herbal Medicines and Medical Treatments
Wrote an alternative alphabet
She was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in October 2012.
She was made the 35 Doctor of the Church.
She is the 4th female Doctor of the Church.

3. Saint Hildegard of Bingen, O.S.B.

4. Illuminations
An illuminated manuscript is a manuscript in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated initials, borders and miniature illustrations.
In the most strict definition of the term, an illuminated manuscript only refers to manuscripts decorated with gold or silver, but in both common usage and modern scholarship, the term is now used to refer to any decorated or illustrated manuscript from the Western traditions.
Comparable Far Eastern works are always described as painted, as are Mesoamerican works. Islamic manuscripts are usually referred to as illuminated but can also be classified as painted.
The majority of surviving manuscripts are from the Middle Ages, although many illuminated manuscripts survive from the Renaissance, along with a very limited number from Late Antiquity.
The majority of these manuscripts are of a religious nature.

5. ILLUMINATIVE
HUMOR

6. "Universal Man" illumination from Hildegard's Liber Divinorum Operum, 1165

7. Regarding her Visions by Pope Benedict XVI
Hildegard's mystical visions have a rich theological content. They refer to the principal events of salvation history, and use a language for the most part poetic and symbolic. For example, in her best known work entitled Scivias, that is, "You know the ways" she sums up in 35 visions the events of the history of salvation from the creation of the world to the end of time. With the characteristic traits of feminine sensitivity, Hildegard develops at the very heart of her work the theme of the mysterious marriage between God and humanity that is brought about in the Incarnation. On the tree of the Cross take place the nuptials of the Son of God with the Church, his Bride, filled with grace and the ability to give new children to God, in the love of the Holy Spirit (cf. Visio tertia: PL 197, 453c).

8. Relics of St. Hildegard
The relics of Saint Hildegard of Bingen found inside the Church of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Hildegard at Rudesheim am Rhein, Germany.

9. Quote on the Spiritual Life
Hildegard wrote these words to a community of women religious: "The spiritual life must be tended with great dedication. At first the effort is burdensome because it demands the renunciation of caprices of the pleasures of the flesh and of other such things. But if she lets herself be enthralled by holiness a holy soul will find even contempt for the world sweet and lovable. All that is needed is to take care that the soul does not shrivel." (E. Gronau, Hildegard. Vita di una donna profetica alle origini dell'età moderna, Milan 1996, p. 402).

10. PRAYING WITH ART & MUSIC
While Lectio Divina is a method of praying with scripture, Visio Divina (Latin for "divine seeing") is a method for praying with images or other media.
St. Augustine said, “Singing is twice praying.”
Art & music draw us into a more contemplative pace in prayer. We go beyond our first impressions to delve into a painting, or listen quietly to a beautiful choir rendition of a well-known hymn.
Our bodies, especially our brain, responds to art & music. Each works to slow us down and open the heart and mind.
If the body responds to music, so does the soul. How does the Spirit speak to you through art and/or music?

11. Assignment
Tonight, choose a piece of music which really inspires you to pray – lifting your heart, mind and soul up to God. On a piece of paper, answer the following:
What is the name of your piece of art/music? Who is the artist and composer?
Bring a copy of your piece of art or find on Youtube your piece of music so you can share it with the class.
Write a 5-7 sentence paragraph reflecting on why/how this piece moves you and helps you to pray.
Write a short prayer (at least 5 stanzas) as you gaze upon your piece of art or listen to your musical piece.
Be prepared to share with the class tomorrow! 

12. Visions, Music and Illustrations