The Abbot Philip to Hildegard
The Letters of Hildegard of Bingen 179r The Abbot Philip to Hildegard 1170–73 The abbot prefaces his letter with high praise for Hildegard, reminding her of the wearisome journey he made just to see her face-to-face. He has, he reports, received the penitent Ida, but asks for further revelations from Hildegard with respect to the lady.
Philip, by God's grace abbot of St. Mary's in Park in the diocese of Louvain, to Hildegard of Bingen, venerable mistress of God's maidservants, with a prayer that she attain the blessing of eternal salvation.
Believe me, venerable mother, believe me, lady beloved of God: I have loved you ever since I got word of your virtues, with which divine goodness has exalted you, his handmaiden. You are all I have talked about, always singing your praises, for you have been the whole meditation of my heart [cf. Ps 18.15; 48.4].
Witness, for example, the wearisome journey I undertook so that I could see your venerable face—that is, the mirror of your illuminated mind—and to speak with you face-to-face. Thank God I was granted the sweetness of your presence that I sought and had long hoped for so very much. And thanks to Him too that you did not refuse to speak with me, unworthy though I was.
But I grieve that I gave in to the brothers who had come with me and did not permit me to linger there as I wished. But I hope that I may yet "enjoy thee in the Lord" [Philemon 1.20], either in this present life or afterward when, by your prayers, I have been brought into the pleasant places of paradise. Pray for me, therefore, venerable mother, pray for the one who loves and venerates the grace of God in you, and pray for the congregation of brothers and sisters which I must govern, so that the Lord may grant us peace and harmony, forgive our sins, and cause us to persevere in His service.
Now, regarding the penitent Ida. I have obeyed your will in the belief that it comes of God, and I have enjoined penitence for the sin which, by God's revelation, you have laid bare to be cleansed. But because she is weak with age, and has for a long time been worn down by the conditions of penitence, I request that you reveal to her whatever you perceive in your wisdom that would be useful to her soul, so that she may be relieved.
Farewell.