A Companion to Hildegard of Bingen

st disibod and the history of the disibodenberg 45
emperor (neither gentleman is named), and added that they had no idea
how the brethren had gained access to their families’ allodial lands. The
emperor then ordered an examination of the means and documentation
showing how such extensive properties had come into the Benedictines’
possession. Targeted false information led to an unjust decision, allowing
the accusers to gain access to the monastery’s lands. Hildegard assigns
the archbishop a leading role in this case (the very opposite of a patron).
Bewildered, the plundered monks left their mountain, after which the
invaders destroyed their buildings so that this time there would be no
hope of a return. The conquerors spared only the saint’s grave, where
they actually set up a priest in order to guarantee Mass at the site and to
lead the local commoners in prayer (regere—the fijirst evidence of pastoral
care). After many years, Count Liuthard donated the monies for the maintenance
of three priests at the shrine.27
Shortly thereafter—and again without naming names—the narrative
records the construction of the house of canons by Willigis and the introduction
of the monastic life by Ruthard. The pious and modest Willigis
settled 12 canons in the house in honor of the saint, and, out of misery
for the disenfranchisement of the lands (which had made him, the current
archbishop, great and wealthy), he returned some of the properties.
It was not until the episcopal rule of Ruthard, a world-wise man who was
inspired by the Holy Spirit, that the site was restored to its old eminence.
Ruthard benevolently relocated the canons to another location and introduced
Benedictines (from whom good things were expected due to their
commendable life), and he equipped the new monastery according to
his ability.28
At this point, the historical portion of the text ends. Nothing more is said
about Adalbert, later archbishops, or any further events that occurred on
the Disibodenberg. This means that nothing is written about Jutta, Hildegard,
or the withdrawal of the women’s monastery that the latter woman
led. The Vita Disibodi ends with the assurance that this text alone profffers
the true reasons for the fate of the Benedictines: the Lord rewarded and
often punished (saepius purgavit) them according to their service, and he
will continue to do so in the future (a warning to the monks contemporary
with Hildegard, with whom she had numerous conflicts). Other
rationalizations circulating among the populace to explain the declining
27 V. Disib., AA.SS., p. 596; PL 197:1114; Two Hagiographies, pp. 150–51.
28 V. Disib., AA.SS., pp. 596–97; PL 197:1114; Two Hagiographies, pp. 152–55.