April 20
Hildegund or brother Joseph (1188)
Cistercian nun
Hildegunda, born in the outskirts of Cologne, had disguised herself as a man and taken the name Joseph, in order to accompany her father to the Holy Land.
Biography
He died in Tire and returned alone to his homeland. Philip of Heinsberg, bishop of Cologne, had secret papers that needed to reach the pope. Joseph hid them and left for Italy like any other pilgrim. The servant who accompanied her fled, taking everything she had. She continued her route led by an angel that Heaven sent her to her destination. Back in Germany, he became a monk at Schoenau Abbey, showing evident signs of holiness for three years. She died on Easter Wednesday, and it was then that upon washing her body, it was discovered that she was a woman. For this reason, the abbot was not forced to speak of “Brother Joseph, servant of God” in his death certificate and was able to put in feminine what was masculine in the funeral prayers.
Practical advice
Without seeking recognition, attend first to those who need your time most as those who work and pray under the loving gaze of God.