St. Hildegard’s feast day is coming up on September 17th, and if you haven’t encountered this lady and added her to your home’s liturgical calendar already, I hope you’ll consider it. She was quite the woman and well-worth having in your corner.

A Little About St. Hildegard

A couple of facts to get you started:

Hildegard was born at the end of the 11th century. She was a Benedictine nun and later prioress.

She was also a

• visionary and mystic
• polymath
• preacher
• composer
• playwright
• cookbook author
• doctor (actual and then later Doctor of the Church)

And, major barrier breaker. During St. Hildegard’s lifetime, preaching and teaching were done by men. Women didn’t do that sort of thing, especially not in public, especially not in front of men. Except St. Hildegard did, and she did at the express wish and with the permission of the Pope himself.

This woman was an incredible, strong, capable woman of faith, and I am so thrilled that the Communion of Saints makes it possible for her to be in my daughters’ lives. We’ll be celebrating her and the other women Doctors of the Church with a special homeschool party this year at our house, and I’ve got some ways that you can join in the fun even from afar.

St. Hildegard’s Cookies of Joy

Among Hildegard’s many talents was cooking. She even wrote her own cookbook, and many of her recipes survive today. Among them is a recipe fit for party- a spiced cookie she called “cookie of joy.” Give them a try- you won’t regret it. (And side note: you could use regular flour if you don’t have spelt).

Read a Biography

I love a good saint biography. There really isn’t an easier activity for a feast day celebration, and we are all about keeping it simple here. Plus, you’ll need something to do while you wait for those cookies to come out of the oven!

I am so very excited that this year I’ll be able to read to my children from the St. Hildegard part of my newest book The Women Doctors of the Church.

Listen to Some Music Written by St. Hildegard

St. Hildegard’s music is absolutely incredible and not to be missed. You can find many of her pieces online where ever you like to get your music. I put together a playlist of some of her pieces being performed. Take a peek and a listen! I’ll be playing these in the background at our party.

Color Some Pictures

Rebecca Gorzynska has some beautiful coloring pages of St. Hildegard. These are great for keeping hands busy while you’re listening to her compositions. And, as a bonus for older kids, some include lyrics to the music!

I hope you enjoy her feast day as much as we plan to!

Host a Party!

St. Hildegard’s feast day is celebrated within weeks of three of the other women Doctors of the Church. Hosting a party is a fun way to celebrate these women together, and I’ve made it so easy for you- just download my FREE party pack. It has absolutely everything you need- printable decorations, recipes, activities, and even party favors.