Saint, also know as Hildegunde von Schönau or Hildegunde von Helpenstein. After her mothers death, she and her father started a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. While on the ship from Brindisi to Tyre her father died of fever. After his burial in Tyre she dressed as a man to be save from molestation and used the name Joseph. She visited Jerusalem and then traveled home. Legend says that, once back in Germany she was accused of stealing and sentenced to death but an angel verified her innocence. In 1187 she joined the cistercians in Schönau as Brother Joseph. Her gender was only revealed after her death. She is venerated as a saint but has never been formally canonized.
Saint, also know as Hildegunde von Schönau or Hildegunde von Helpenstein. After her mothers death, she and her father started a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. While on the ship from Brindisi to Tyre her father died of fever. After his burial in Tyre she dressed as a man to be save from molestation and used the name Joseph. She visited Jerusalem and then traveled home. Legend says that, once back in Germany she was accused of stealing and sentenced to death but an angel verified her innocence. In 1187 she joined the cistercians in Schönau as Brother Joseph. Her gender was only revealed after her death. She is venerated as a saint but has never been formally canonized.
Bio by: Lutetia
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