Hildegard lived her life under the rule of St. Benedict, a sixth century Italian monastic leader (480-547). Benedict created his rule of life focused on humility, prayer, and service. The concept of “ora et labora” – prayer and work – is a charism of Benedictine spirituality. A Benedictine is a person or community who follows the Rule of Benedict (often adapted for a particular context).

For example, Hildegard wrote a small commentary on the Rule of Benedict to make it applicable for her monastery. In the introduction she wrote:

“And I, a poor little female in form, unlearned by human teaching, looked toward the true light and to the memory of blessed Benedict as you requested, in order that the teaching of the Rule which is far more difficult and obscure to human understanding might be revealed to me through the grace of God. And I heard a voice from the true light saying to me: The Holy Spirit affected most brilliant gifts and mystic inspirations in St. Benedict, so that his mind glowed with the love of God, and by his virtues he shone like the dawn” (48).

Traditionally, Benedict is depicted in the iconography with his female counterpart, Scholastica. Recently, German artist, Eva-Marie Steidel, created an icon with Benedict and Hildegard. One of our members, Dr. Pat Maskow Firem, recreated it (with permission) to include the Hildegard Haus at the top of the ecclesiastical tree.

The other monasteries featured on the tree were founded by or associated with St. Hildegard including Disibodenberg, Rupertsberg, and Eibingen, which today includes both a parish church and a cloistered Benedictine monastery.

In addition to the three icons depicting St. Benedict displayed in our sanctuary, as you enter the Hildegard Haus, there is a Benedictine Medal which hangs on the lintel of the church entrance and medals on each of the doors.

The medal became popular as a protection against evil. The medal of St. Benedict took shape in various forms throughout the Middle Ages. The one on the lintel of this church is the Jubilee Medal struck in the 19th century for the anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth. On the front of the medal is the figure of St. Benedict holding a cross in his right hand and the book of his “Rule” in his left.

The words on each side of his figure in latin are: “Crux S. (abbreviation for sancti) Patris Benedicti” which means: (The cross of Holy Father Benedict). On the surrounding edge of this side of the medal are the latin words:

“Eius in obitu Nostro, prae-sentia muniamur,” which means: (At the time of our death may we be protected by his presence).

The backside of the Jubilee Medal has the latin word “Pax” (Peace) at the very top. In the center are the two arms that make up a cross with the vertical and horizontal letters:” CSSML” and “NDSMD“ which stand for “Crux Sancta Sit Mihi Lux “ (May the Holy Cross Be My light) and “Non Drago Sit Mihi Dux” (May not the Devil be My Leader). At four corners near the cross are the circled letters: “C S P B”: “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti” (The Cross of Holy Father Benedict). And surrounding the back side of this medal on both sides of the word “Pax” are the abbreviated latin letters: “SMQLIVB” and ”VRSNSMV,” standing for: “Sunt malae quae libas, ipse venena bibas” (The things you desire are evil, you yourself drink the poison) and “Vade retro Satana, nunquam suade mihi vana” (Get behind me Satan, never tempt me with vain things).

While our space is not directly connected with a Benedictine monastery, the charism of St. Benedict is present and celebrated!