Prayer that women’s gifts will aid development of the Church

St. Hildegard was not afraid to speak her mind or share her revelations from God. During the 12th century she frequently traveled throughout Europe, challenging priests, bishops and even the pope himself.

She was not satisfied with mediocrity, and saw that the only way to reform the Church was through conversion, penance, and holiness of life.

Here is a prayer that Pope Benedict XVI offered during one of his General Audiences.

Let us always invoke the Holy Spirit, so that he may inspire in the Church holy and courageous women, like St Hildegard of Bingen, who, developing the gifts they have received from God, make their own special and valuable contribution to the spiritual development of our communities and of the Church in our time.

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Read more:Hildegard of Bingen: A woman who reproached both popes and kings