St. Mechtild of Hackeborn among the other Benedictine Women
This week, we are seeking inspiration from another Benedictine woman, who appears in our chapel window at St. Benedict Monastery in Bristow, VA. She is the second from the right. Her name is St. Mechtild of Hackeborn. (The picture shown here is not from our window!)
Mechtild, also known as Mechtildis was born at the castle of Helfta near Eisleben, Germany about the year 1240. At the age of seven she visited her older sister, Gertrude of Hackeborn (not to be confused with St. Gertrude the Great ) at the Monastery of Rodarsdorf and started her schooling there.
She was described as a very gifted and amiable young woman, charming, intelligent and a lovely voice. In 1258 Gertrude moved the monastery to Helfta and Mechtild joined her and was appointed choirmistress as well as being in charge of the cloister school. It was in this position that St. Gertrude the Great came under her care.
Mechtild experienced an intimate mystical relationship with Christ in her prayer. She shared some of these experiences and Gertrude wrote them down, which Mechtild later edited. These writings are known as the "Book of Special Grace", and sometimes also called, "Revelations of St. Mechtild."
She died on November 19, 1298 at the age of 58.
She was described as a very gifted and amiable young woman, charming, intelligent and a lovely voice. In 1258 Gertrude moved the monastery to Helfta and Mechtild joined her and was appointed choirmistress as well as being in charge of the cloister school. It was in this position that St. Gertrude the Great came under her care.
Mechtild experienced an intimate mystical relationship with Christ in her prayer. She shared some of these experiences and Gertrude wrote them down, which Mechtild later edited. These writings are known as the "Book of Special Grace", and sometimes also called, "Revelations of St. Mechtild."
She died on November 19, 1298 at the age of 58.
In what way could St. Mechtild inspire us on our Lenten journey?
As we have reflected on Lectio Divina over the past couple months before the beginning of Lent, I would like to direct your attention to Mechtild's sharing about her relationship with Christ. Her sharing inspired Gertrude to write. Mechtild's mystical experiences have been preserved for us; for our own lectio.
This week, ponder on your own relationship with Christ and what you would like to write down. Journaling helps you express what this relationship is about.
As we have reflected on Lectio Divina over the past couple months before the beginning of Lent, I would like to direct your attention to Mechtild's sharing about her relationship with Christ. Her sharing inspired Gertrude to write. Mechtild's mystical experiences have been preserved for us; for our own lectio.
This week, ponder on your own relationship with Christ and what you would like to write down. Journaling helps you express what this relationship is about.
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