Saint Gertrude, Woman of Wisdom

The feast of Saint Gertrude of Helfta on November 16 is celebrated by Benedictine women throughout the world. Also known as St. Gertrude the Great, she was born in Germany in 1256. At the age of five, she was admitted as a pupil to the school at the Convent of Helfta. She lived there until her death in either 1301 or 1302.

After her studies, Gertrude entered the community at age 15 or 16. She seems to have lived the ordinary life of the monastery, praying the Divine Office, lectio divina, and carrying out the works of the community. By the age of 24 she was struggling with the routines of the monastic life. After her 25th birthday, Gertrude experienced what she calls her “conversion.” Deep in her heart she heard Christ speak to her, “Do not fear. I will save you and set you free.” She had a series of visions which led her into mystical prayer, which was Christ-centered and saw the humanity of Christ as the Sacred Heart.

Gertrude wrote spiritual works and reflections of Scripture and was led to write about her encounters in her visions and of the many graces she received. She wrote her SPIRITUAL EXERCISES which addresses such themes as conversion, commitment, discipleship, praise of God, union with God, and preparation for death. The culture in which Gertrude lived was not without the worries and troubles that are similar to that of today’s society. What can we learn from this 13th century visionary? How can her experiences inspire us in our discernment process? What can we do in our spiritual life to nurture the promptings we feel? Do we experience awakenings in our heart that move us to listen and respond as Gertrude did? Her writings and reflections have much to say today to us as we desire to listen more deeply and grow in our awareness of God’s unconditional love for all.

Heed Gertrude’s message of love and discover the infinite embrace of God’s grace providing our lives with more than we could ask or imagine.

O God of love and gentleness,
O heart that abounds with loving kindness,
O heart that overflows with charity,
O heart that radiates pleasantness,
O heart full of compassion,
We thank you for your heart full of love for us.
Invite us into your heart that we may be totally transformed into love.

Prayer adapted by Sister Ruth Fox, OSB, from Exercises of St. Gertrude, VII