The shepherd image is foundational to Christianity. In the Hebrew Scriptures, King David was a shepherd before he was chosen to become a spiritual leader (1 Samuel 17:34-36). Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd (often depicted in the early art carrying a sheep). In conversation with Peter, Jesus commanded his disciples to do the difficult work of “feeding the sheep” (John 10:14).  The word pastor translated from the Latin means shepherd, which is why congregations are often referred to as the flock.

Hildegard was a shepherdess in every sense of the word (this is captured in the symbol of the crosier or staff that she is often depicted holding).  She used shepherd imagery throughout her writings, and often reminded clergy and religious of the responsibility of their vocation to care for God’s flock. When the shepherds of her day (bishops and prelates) failed to live up to the responsibilities God had entrusted to them, Hildegard would address them using the words of Jeremiah 23:1, “Woe to you shepherds…”

She not only used this imagery for male ecclesial leaders, but women as well. For example, in the following excerpt, Hildegard responded to a letter she received from an abbess named Sophia. This abbess was feeling tired and was contemplating letting go of her administrative duties as an abbess. Hildegard responded in the following way:

“You say, I long to rest, to seek out a nesting place for my heart, where my soul may find peace. But, O’ daughter, it is not serving God to cast off your burden and to abandon God’s sheepfold, when you have that light through which you may illuminate it, so that you may lead the sheep to pasture… Be true to your calling, because this is what the grace of God wishes.” Hildegard to the Abbess Sophia letter 50r

Our community was founded by a woman priest, Rev. Shanon Sterringer, who serves not only as the curator of this shrine, but as the shepherdess of our faith community. Her ministry is rooted in the spirit and example of St. Hildegard. Our beautiful bronze shepherdess statue of Rosa was gifted to our community by David and Darlene Dalhoff in 2018 affirming our work of incorporating female leadership into our space.

The Dalhoffs purchased this statue entitled, “Shepherd Girl” in 1991 from the Shriver Gallery and they named her Rosa. The piece was created by artist Dee Toscano in New Mexico. It was shipped to Fairport Harbor the same year. Rosa resided in Fairport Harbor from 1991 to 2018 in the home of the Dalhoff family (one block west of this shrine). David and Darlene (pictured) felt the Hildegard Haus would be a perfect space for Rosa to be donated. She majestically stands as a symbol that God calls both women and men to shepherd the people.