Waldtraud
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 Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:02 pm Post subject: November 17th - St. Hilda (Hild) of Whitby, OSB Abbess (AC) |
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November 17th - St. Hilda (Hild) of Whitby, OSB Abbess (AC)
Born in Northumbria in 614; died at Whitby in 680.
Hilda was a grandniece of King Edwin of Northumbria and daughter of Hereric.
Both she and her uncle were baptized by Saint Paulinus at York in 627, when
she was 13. She lived the life of a noblewoman until 20 years later she
decided to join her sister Saint Hereswitha at the Chelles Monastery as a
nun in France. In 649, Saint Aidan requested that she return to Northumbria
as abbess of the double monastery (with both men and women, in separate
quarters) in Hartlepool by the River Wear.
After some years Saint Hilda migrated as abbess to the double monastery of
Whitby at Streaneshalch, which she governed for the rest of her life. Among
her subject monks were Bishop Saint John of Beverly, the herdsman Caedmon
(the first English religious poet), Bishop Saint Wilfrid of York, and three
other bishops.
At the conference she convened in 664 at Whitby abbey to decide between
Celtic and Roman ecclesiastical customs, Saint Hilda supported the Celtic
party. Nevertheless, she and her communities adhered to the decision of the
Council of Whitby to observe the Roman rule and customs. Her influence was
certainly one of the decisive factors in securing unity in the English
Church.
Hilda became known for her spiritual wisdom and her monastery for the
caliber of its learning and its nuns. Saint Bede is enthusiastic in his
praise of Abbess Hilda, one of the greatest Englishwomen of all time: she
was the adviser of rulers as well as of ordinary folk; she insisted on the
study of Holy Scripture and on proper preparation for the priesthood; the
influence of her example of peace and charity extended beyond the walls of
her monastery; 'all who knew her called her Mother, such were her wonderful
godliness and grace' (Attwater, Benedictines, Delaney, Encyclopedia).
Saint Hilda is represented in art holding Whitby Abbey in her hands with a
crown on her head or at her feet. Sometimes she is shown (1) turning
serpents into stone; (2) stopping the wild birds from ravaging corn at her
command; or (3) as a soul being carried to heaven by the angels (Roeder).
Saint Quote:
Whatever did not fit in with my plan did lie within the plan of God. I have
an ever deeper and firmer belief that nothing is merely an accident when
seen in the light of God, that my whole life down to the smallest details
has been marked out for me in the plan of Divine Providence and has a
completely coherent meaning in God's all-seeing eyes. And so I am beginning
to rejoice in the light of glory wherein this meaning will be unveiled to
me.
--Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Saint Edith Stein)
Bible Quote:
My brethren, if any of you err from the truth, and one convert him: 20 He
must know that he who causeth a sinner to be converted from the error of his
way, shall save his soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.
(James 5:19-20)
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THIRTY-ONE DAYS OF PRAYER FOR THE HOLY SOULS
FROM THE PURGATORIAN MANUAL
(Imprimatur 1946)
Seventh Day
PAIN OF SORROW FOR SIN
The soul departed, before the judgment-seat of God, is enlightened with
a perfect knowledge of the purity and sanctity of her Divine judge, clearly
perceiving the stains with which she is sullied, and her extreme
unworthiness of union with God. The thought: I have offended God, Who is
everlasting beauty and perfection; I am not yet worthy to appear before the
face of the Lord, Who is infinitely holy, not worthy to take possession of
my dwelling-place in Heaven,-is the greatest sorrow of the suffering soul.
Much more clearly than during their earthly lives do these holy souls
comprehend the perfections of God, and love Him above all things; therefore
the thought of having offended Him is a piercing sorrow which surpasses all
their other sufferings.
St. Ambrose tells us, there is no greater agony than remorse of
conscience caused by sin. There are examples on record, of men who died from
the effects of this vehement sorrow. Yet, how much more intense must be the
contrition of the suffering souls, who fully understand the great malice of
sin! We know by our own experience that the depth of sorrow for having
offended a person is equal to the love we bear him. The holy souls in
Purgatory, being inflamed with a perfect love of God, their perfect
contrition for sin is their greatest sorrow.
Prayer: O God, Father of grace and mercy! graciously regard the deep sorrow
of the suffering souls in Purgatory. Deign to accept their love, and grant
them remission of their punishment, that, united with Thee, they may praise
Thy goodness forever. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who, while on earth, loved God most
ardently.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon
them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Try to make an act of perfect contrition for your sins.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
Also see 31day prayer at:
http://www.faithfuldeparted.net/prayers.html |
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