Reliquary of Saint Gertrude and Saint Mechthild of Hackeborn
Saint Mechthild of Hackeborn (1241/1242 - 1298) was a German Benedictine nun and important mystic. Entering the monastery of Helfta at a young age, she experienced numerous visions and revelations, often receiving spiritual insights and guidance from Jesus, Mary, and angels. These mystical encounters were recorded in "The Book of Special Grace," a collection of her revelations. Mechthild was known for her humility and musical talents (earning her the nickname "Nightingale of Helfta").
Despite entering the monastery of Helfta at the tender age of five, Saint Gertrude the Great (1256-1301/1302) became a renowned mystic, theologian, and writer. Though initially drawn to secular studies, a spiritual awakening in her twenties shifted her focus to a deeper exploration of faith and the divine. She described visions of conversing with Jesus, experiencing his love in a tangible way, and even receiving a glimpse of his heart. One story recounts how Gertrude was burdened by a sense of unworthiness. In a vision, Jesus appeared to her and gently drew her close to his heart, assuring her that her sins were like a single drop of water compared to the vast ocean of his mercy.
This is a lovely relic purporting to contain small bone chips from both saints along with dried flowers and gold threading. The relic is sealed with heraldic wax stamps. It is of unknown provenance and origin.
Saint Mechthild of Hackeborn (1241/1242 - 1298) was a German Benedictine nun and important mystic. Entering the monastery of Helfta at a young age, she experienced numerous visions and revelations, often receiving spiritual insights and guidance from Jesus, Mary, and angels. These mystical encounters were recorded in "The Book of Special Grace," a collection of her revelations. Mechthild was known for her humility and musical talents (earning her the nickname "Nightingale of Helfta").
Despite entering the monastery of Helfta at the tender age of five, Saint Gertrude the Great (1256-1301/1302) became a renowned mystic, theologian, and writer. Though initially drawn to secular studies, a spiritual awakening in her twenties shifted her focus to a deeper exploration of faith and the divine. She described visions of conversing with Jesus, experiencing his love in a tangible way, and even receiving a glimpse of his heart. One story recounts how Gertrude was burdened by a sense of unworthiness. In a vision, Jesus appeared to her and gently drew her close to his heart, assuring her that her sins were like a single drop of water compared to the vast ocean of his mercy.
This is a lovely relic purporting to contain small bone chips from both saints along with dried flowers and gold threading. The relic is sealed with heraldic wax stamps. It is of unknown provenance and origin.
Saint Mechthild of Hackeborn (1241/1242 - 1298) was a German Benedictine nun and important mystic. Entering the monastery of Helfta at a young age, she experienced numerous visions and revelations, often receiving spiritual insights and guidance from Jesus, Mary, and angels. These mystical encounters were recorded in "The Book of Special Grace," a collection of her revelations. Mechthild was known for her humility and musical talents (earning her the nickname "Nightingale of Helfta").
Despite entering the monastery of Helfta at the tender age of five, Saint Gertrude the Great (1256-1301/1302) became a renowned mystic, theologian, and writer. Though initially drawn to secular studies, a spiritual awakening in her twenties shifted her focus to a deeper exploration of faith and the divine. She described visions of conversing with Jesus, experiencing his love in a tangible way, and even receiving a glimpse of his heart. One story recounts how Gertrude was burdened by a sense of unworthiness. In a vision, Jesus appeared to her and gently drew her close to his heart, assuring her that her sins were like a single drop of water compared to the vast ocean of his mercy.
This is a lovely relic purporting to contain small bone chips from both saints along with dried flowers and gold threading. The relic is sealed with heraldic wax stamps. It is of unknown provenance and origin.