SAINT FEAST DAY 22 DECEMBER: BL. JUTTA OF SPONHEIM

BLESSED JUTTA OF SPONHEIM, ABBESS

Jutta (also Juttha and Juda), virgin and abbess of the Benedictine nunnery on the Disibodenberg, was the daughter of Count Stephan II of Sponheim and the sister of Count Meginhard.

Bucelin* relates several of her miracles, including that she crossed the river Nahe (Naha) several times with dry feet. But he says nothing about the fact that she was the mistress of Saint Hildegardis, who received instruction and guidance from her.

SHE WAS KNOWN FOR MIRACLES

The Bollandists* speak of her more often in the life of Saint Hildegardis on September 17, where it is said of Blessed Jutta that she went to the above-mentioned monastery around 1112, with three others, among whom was the then 8-year-old Saint Hildegardis, the daughter of the knight Hildebert von Beckelnheim, and her niece Hiltrudis, the daughter of her brother Meginhard. Saint Hildegardis later moved to St Rupertsberg near Bingen (Pinguia, Bingium) on the Rhine, while the third is nowhere mentioned.

How old Blessed Jutta was when she entered the monastery is not stated, but it is stated that she was older than her younger companions.

Saint Hildegardis was not her cousin, as some stated, but only friends with her, and was taught diligently by her with humility. She taught her especially to read and write, to chant, and the the Davidic Psalms.

SEVERE MORTIFICATIONS

Of Blessed Jutta Saint Hildegardis says that God, through His grace, did pour a stream of water into her, so to speak, so that Blessed Jutta did not allow her body to rest but incessantly spent herself in watching, fasting and other good works until she passed. Some sources state that the abbess practised severe mortifications, including the use of iron chains which she wore under her habit.

Blessed Jutta died on December 22, 1136 after she had led her monastery wisely for 24 years as a model of devotion and piety.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints)

*A hagiography source used by the authors

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Blessed Jutta may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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