Saint Hildegard. Sung in Bermersheim Bluegrass

“Symphony of the Living Light” is a sacred hymn inspired by the extraordinary life and spirituality of Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) — Benedictine nun, mystic, visionary, composer, writer, naturalist and Doctor of the Church. Born in Germany to a noble family, Hildegard was dedicated to God from childhood and began experiencing mystical visions at a young age. She entered religious life under the guidance of Jutta of Spanheim and eventually became prioress after Jutta's death. Hildegard struggled with how to understand and communicate the visions she received. Encouraged by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, she came to accept them with humility as gifts from God. In 1147, Pope Eugene III gave her permission to record and publicly proclaim her visions. From then on, Hildegard's influence grew far beyond her monastery. She preached throughout Germany and became known as a remarkable spiritual teacher and prophetic voice. Her writings explored the mysteries of God, creation, the human person, salvation and the Church. Her visionary works included Scivias, The Book of Life's Merits and The Book of Divine Works. She also possessed an extraordinary musical gift. Although she had no formal academic training in music, Hildegard composed a large collection of sacred works, including antiphons, responsories, a Kyrie and other liturgical pieces. These works were gathered into her famous “Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelations.” Her spirituality saw creation as filled with God's presence and harmony. She wrote poetically of the “brightness of the Father,” the sacred sound through which creation resounds, and the divine life flowing through all created things. Hildegard was also deeply interested in the natural world, medicine and the relationship between the physical and spiritual dimensions of human life. She founded communities at Rupertsberg and Eibingen, and continued to write, preach and guide others well into old age. Saint Hildegard died in 1179