DEAR HILDEGARD

Here’s another interesting aspect on Hildegard of Bingen (“The Hottest 900-Year-Old on the Charts,” by Bernard D. Sherman, Aug. 9). While doing research for my book “Calling All Saints” (Troitsa Books), I discovered that beyond her other talents, St. Hildegard was considered something of a 12th century “Dear Abby.” Religious and political leaders of the time visited her and wrote to her for advice.

She was considered an “abbess-visitor” for the Benedictine communities in Germany, both for monks as well as nuns. She was also an advocate of tough love, never hesitating to stand up and say or do whatever needed to be done. When a pope or emperor needed a verbal whack on the head, she wasn’t afraid to give them their medicine. Hildegard received great respect, prestige and equality by the male movers and shakers both in the church and the government of her time.

BR. TOM-NICHOLAS, FOCD

St. James’ Episcopal Church

South Pasadena