The Abbess Hazzecha to Hildegard
The Letters
Krauftal
The Abbess Hazzecha to Hildegard 1160-61 During her preaching tour of 1160, Hildegard visited Krauftal, and, in this letter, the abbess recalls that time with joy. In addition, she asks for further words of chastisement and correction from the Living Light.
To Hildegard, the provident steward of the house of the great Father of the family
[cf. Luke 12.42], Hazzecha, humble and unworthy abbess of Krauftal, with maternal veneration and daughterly devotion, through the love by which we are joined together in Christ.
After your friendly visit, which I had desired such a long time, I merited, God helping, to be relieved from my weakness of spirit and my earlier tribulations [cf. Ps 54.9], and managed to rest a little. And because I have no doubt that your words do not come from any human imagination but from the True Light itself, which has illumined you more than any other human being, I have followed your advice and postponed what I originally proposed to do.
I want you to know, my lady and dearest sister, that just as I greatly desired to see you—and still do—I always cling to you in my heart, even though I cannot be with you in person. Now, since I am sure that you abide in love and love abides in you [cf. I John 4.16], I beseech you in the name of that love not to delay writing to inform me of the fitting chastisement or correction the Living Light reveals to you through His Spirit concerning me.
159r Hildegard to the Abbess Hazzecha 1160–61 Hildegard criticizes the abbess for not performing her administrative duties to the best of her ability, and warns her to give up her plans to seek out a solitary life.
He Who sees all things says: You have eyes to see and look all around yourself.
Where you see mud, wash it away, and where you see aridity, make it green.
And make those spices which you have give forth a sweet odor. If you had no