Saint Hildegard of Bingen

On January 25, 2021, Pope Francis ordered the inscription of Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Virgin and Doctor of the Church, into the General Roman Calendar.  St. Hildegard is celebrated each year as an Optional Memorial on September 17.

The proper liturgical texts were released by the Holy See in Latin (see pages 7-9). English and Spanish translations must be approved by the USCCB and confirmed by the Holy See before they can be implemented in the United States.

Below are interim liturgical guidelines for the celebration of St. Hildegard of Bingen:

Roman Missal

From the Common of Virgins: For One Virgin, or the Common of Holy Men and Women: For a Nun.

Lectionary for Mass

Aside from the usual Mass readings of the day, any Lectionary readings from the Common of Virgins or Common of Holy Men and Women may be used for St. Hildegard of Bingen. The following readings are also recommended by the Holy See, and will appear in a future edition of the Lectionary for Mass. (Current citations from the Lectionary's Common of Virgins and Common of Holy Men and Women are provided for convenience.)

From the Common of Virgins, or the Common of Holy Men and Women, or:

First Reading – Song of Songs 8:6-7 (no. 731-1)
Stern as death is love.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17 (no. 733-1)
R/. Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.
or:
R/. The bridegroom is here; let us go out to meet Christ the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation – Matthew 5:8 (no. 741-3)
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.

Gospel – Matthew 25:1-13 (no. 742-11)
Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!

Liturgy of the Hours

Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, and Evening Prayer

Psalmody of the day. Other elements from the Psalter of the day or the Common of Virgins or Common of Holy Women: For Religious.