Mechtild of Hakeborn

1241 - 1299

Mechtild of Hakeborn was the sister of Gertrud of Hakeborn (1231 -1291) who was the second Abess of Helfta (between 1251 and 1291). The family of Hakeborn belonged to a dynasty of Barons in Thyringia who were related to the Hohenstaufen and had possessions in Northern Thyringia and in the Harz Maountains. The seven year old Mechtild was brought to Helfta to be educated in the convent school. She joined the convent and eventually became the headmistress of the convent school.
She was famous for her musical talents and was called the “Nightingale of Helfta”. Mechtild was employed in the convent looking after the library, illuminating scripts, and wrote her own texts in Latin. Amongst those writing down her spiritual experiences is Gertrude of Helfta. Mechtilds most important book consisting of 7 separate volumes is “The book of special grace” (liber speciale gratiae). Apart from accounts relating to her mystical experiences it also contains intimate aspects of her vita. The “Book of special grace” was translated into most European languages and up to the 16th century one of the most famous and widely read religious books.

The Lord would say to Mechtild: Everything you have and by which you can please me you have from me and through me (St Mechtild of Hakeborn).