My distress is great and unknown to men.
They are cruel to me, for they wish to dissuade me
From all that the forces of Love urge me to.
They do not understand it, and I cannot explain it to them.
I must then live out what I am;
What Love counsels my spirit,
In this is my being: for this reason I will do my best.

–HADEWIJCH

Hadewijch was a 13th century Flemish poet and mystic who is known for her visions, letters of prose and lyrical poetry. It is thanks to Catherine Keller that I have become acquainted with her. Catherine writes that Hadewijch “was part of a medieval movement of women who formed ascetic communities while refusing the veil, seclusion, and ecclesial supervision.”

While researching and attempting to learn more about this intriguing woman who wrote so beautifully about the Love of God, I came upon this trailer for a French movie entitled “Hadewijch.” It looks fantastic.

Painting: The Flemish Proverbs by Pieter Brueghel the Younger / 1559 /oil on canvas / 19.3 x 26.1 in. / 49 x 66.2 cm.

Tags:BrueghelHadewijchlovemysticismPoetry