Mechthild of Hackeborn

Saint

Mechtilde

Mechtilde of Hackeborn
Bornc.1241
Helfta
Died19 November 1298
Helfta
Venerated in
Feast19 November
AttributesScales and a sword, heart, book and dove
PatronageAgainst blindness

Mechtilde of Hackeborn, OSB, also known as Mechtilde of Helfta (born Matilda von Hackeborn-Wippra; 1240/1241 – 19 November 1298), was a Saxon Benedictine nun known for her musical talents and spiritual revelations. At the age of 50, Mechtilde went through a grave spiritual crisis, as well as physical suffering. In the modern Benedictine calendar, her feast is celebrated on the anniversary of her death, November 19. She died in the convent of Helfta, near Eisleben.