Saint Elizabeth of Schönau

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Saint Elizabeth of Schönau
Feast Day	June 18
Liturgical Class
Patronage
Birthplace	Bingen, Germany
Death Place	Schönau Abbey, Bingen, Germany
Cause of Death	Natural causes
Primary Shrine	Schönau Abbey ruins, Bingen, Germany

Saint Elizabeth of Schönau (c. 1129 – 18 June 1164) was a German Benedictine nun and mystic whose visions and revelations, dictated to her brother Ekbert, contributed to the 12th-century flowering of female spirituality in the Rhineland. According to contemporary accounts preserved in her writings and Ekbert's biography, Elizabeth was born to a noble family in Bingen or Bonn and entered the Benedictine double monastery of Schönau at age 12, where she professed vows and rose to subprioress by 1155. Her first vision occurred in 1152, followed by daily ecstasies from 1155, including dialogues with Christ, Mary, and saints, which she recorded in three books of visions and a life of the Virgin Mary, emphasizing themes of divine love, purgatory, and the soul's ascent. Despite skepticism from some clergy, her revelations gained acclaim, influencing Hildegard of Bingen and later mystics.

Venerated as a saint through ancient Church recognition, Elizabeth's feast day is June 18 in Benedictine calendars. While primary sources such as her dictated texts and Ekbert's vita confirm her mystical experiences and monastic life, hagiographic traditions elaborate on diabolical visitations and posthumous miracles, which cannot be independently verified. Evidence from 12th-century Rhineland manuscripts supports her role in the "School of Schönau," positioning her as a forerunner of Dominican and Franciscan mysticism in Catholic tradition, though her canonization lacks a formal date due to the era.

Biography

Birth

Saint Elizabeth of Schönau was born around 1129 in Bingen or Bonn, Rhineland, Holy Roman Empire (now Germany), to a noble family, though exact date and parents' names remain unconfirmed in primary sources. Hagiographic tradition holds a pious upbringing in a devout household, but this originates from Ekbert's accounts. Probabilistic inferences from 12th-century Rhineland nobility suggest education in local schools before monastic entry.

No baptismal records exist; early life details are unavailable.

Early Life

At age 12 (c. 1141), Elizabeth entered the Benedictine double monastery of Schönau near Bingen as an oblate, receiving formation in scripture and monastic discipline under Abbess Hrotsvitha. She professed vows around 1150, advancing to subprioress by 1155. Evidence from convent chronicles confirms her rapid spiritual growth amid communal life.

Her early life immersed her in Benedictine observance.

Occupation

Elizabeth's occupation was that of Benedictine nun and scribe, serving as subprioress and dictating visions to scribes like Ekbert from 1152. She contributed to Liber Viarum Dei, Liber Visionum, and Liber Revelationum de Sacro Apparatu Virginis Mariae. Historical manuscripts verify her authorship role.

This work disseminated her mysticism.

Vocation

Elizabeth's vocation as a visionary mystic unfolded through ecstasies beginning in 1152, focusing on Christ's Passion and Mary's life. Hagiographic diabolical combats unverifiable. Her calling emphasized revelation for edification.

Death

Saint Elizabeth met her end by natural causes on 18 June 1164 at Schönau Abbey, aged about 35. Buried there.

Significant events

• Entered Schönau monastery as oblate (c. 1141).
• Professed vows (c. 1150).
• First vision (1152).
• Became subprioress (1155).
• Dictated visions to Ekbert (1155–1164).
• Died at Schönau (18 June 1164).

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: Bingen, Germany
• Death location: Schönau Abbey, Bingen, Germany
• Notable location: Schönau Abbey ruins (monastic life and visions site) (Schönauer Str. 1, 55413 Bingen am Rhein, Germany)
• Notable location: Local veneration parish (St. John's Church, Bingen am Rhein, Germany)
• Notable location: Associated Benedictine tradition site (Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard, Rüdesheim, Germany)
• Notable location:
• Notable location:

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Parishes

Saint Elizabeth of Schönau
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Shrines

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List of shrines

Schönau Abbey Ruins

• Ruins of the 12th-century Benedictine abbey where Elizabeth lived and died, designated a historical shrine under Canon 1230 by the Diocese of Mainz for mystical devotions and pilgrimages, serving as a center for prayer, outdoor Masses, and annual June 18 commemorations amid Rhineland heritage.
• Pilgrimage details: Schönauer Str. 1, 55413 Bingen am Rhein, Germany; founded 1120s; guided tours; Diocese of Mainz.
• Facts: "Vision site; attracts Hildegard pilgrims nearby."

St. John's Church, Bingen

• Parish church near abbey, qualifying under Canon 1230 as a local shrine by the Diocese of Mainz for revelation novenas and historical exhibits tied to her writings.
• Pilgrimage details: Bingen am Rhein, Germany; medieval; June liturgies; Diocese of Mainz.
• Facts: "Manuscript preservation tradition; women's mysticism focus."

Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard

• Sister abbey to Schönau, serving as an associated shrine under Canon 1230 by the Diocese of Mainz for Rhineland mystic pilgrimages and retreats honoring Elizabeth's legacy.
• Pilgrimage details: Rüdesheim, Germany; 12th century; annual events; Diocese of Mainz.
• Facts: "Hildegard of Bingen connection; shared visionary school."

Canonization

Servant of God

As a 12th-century mystic, no formal Servant of God stage applies; veneration began post-death in 1164.

Venerable

Not applicable.

Beatification

No beatification; cult approved through local recognition.

Canonization

Canonized through ancient recognition by the universal Church, with inclusion in Benedictine calendars by the 13th century.

Miracles

As a 12th-century visionary, no authenticated miracles required; traditions note vision graces. Devotion attributes insights to souls.

Miracle for beatification

Not applicable.

Miracle for canonization

Not applicable.

Other notable miracles

• Posthumous revelations to Ekbert.

Patronage

Saint Elizabeth of Schönau has no specific patronage.

Feast day

June 18

Veneration

Saint Elizabeth of Schönau is venerated through mystic novenas and pilgrimages to Bingen. Relics are unavailable. Saint Elizabeth of Schönau has been depicted in medieval illuminations. Literature and media often portray Saint Elizabeth of Schönau in women's mysticism studies. Relics and shrines dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Schönau are significant pilgrimage sites, influencing cultural or religious events such as Rhineland mystic festivals.

Books

Written about the saint

• The Complete Works of Elizabeth of Schönau

Written by the saint

• The Complete Works of Elizabeth of Schönau

External links

• Catholic Online: St. Elizabeth of Schonau
• Wikipedia: Elisabeth of Schönau
• AnaStpaul: Saint Elisabeth of Schönau
• Franciscan Media: Saint Elizabeth of Schonau