The remarkable monastery of Helfta was a 'place where learning and art, courtesy and holiness flowered in a dark season' of interregnal warfare.* The nuns drew their inspiration from the twin roots of Citeaux: the Rule of Saint Benedict and the constitutions of Citeaux; their spirituality, liturgy, customs, and habits were modelled on those of the White Monks, even though juridically they were not part of the Cistercian Order.

Under the guidance of the thirteenth-century abbess Gertrud of Hackeborn, the nuns of Helfta steadfastly pursued learning and holiness. Among them were three outstanding women whose works have come down through the centuries: Mechtilde of Hackeborn, Mechtilde of Magdeburg, and the scholarly Gertrud the Great.

Having entered monastic life at the age of five, Gertrud combined a deep knowledge of the Church Fathers and earlier medieval writers, an intimate familiarity with Scripture, and innate common sense. Her Spiritual Exercises—prayers, litanies, meditations, and hymns—articulate a spirituality that is both traditionally monastic and authentically, but unself-consciously, feminine.

Hers is a mysticism of light and love, of humility and commitment, of freedom and discipline and—most of all—of joy.

*M. Jeremy Finnegan OP, 'The Women of Helfta', Peace Weavers, Medieval Religious Women, 2:212.

Language Notes

Text: English, Latin (translation)

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Quality books, speedy shipping, and great customer service! Please note that used items may not include access codes or cards, CD's or other accessories, regardless of what is stated in item title. If you need to guarantee that these items are included, please purchase a brand new copy.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

J2B Holdings, LLC
13770 NOEL RD, #803600, Dallas, TX, 75240, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the AbeBooks web
sites. Please note that used items may not include access codes or cards, CD's
or other accessories, regardless of what is stated in item title. If you need to
guarantee that these items are included, please purchase a brand new copy.

All requests for refunds and/or returns will be processed in accordance with
AbeBooks policies. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not
as Described/Damaged) or if ...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Books ordered via expedited shipping should arrive between 2 and 7 business days after shipment confirmation. Books ordered via standard shipping should arrive between 4 and 14 business days after shipment confirmation.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 10 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 3.99	US$ 6.99

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.