AVE GENEROSA is a Hymn to the Virgin. Hildegard’s symbolic language is at times extravagant and erotically rich but she always kept in mind ‘chastity’ which was so precious to her. The hymn is structured so that stanzas honouring the chastity of Mary alternate with those describing her union with God in the conception of the Son. It is Christ himself who is enfolded in Mary so her womb contains in essence the complete Incarnation. Hildegard’s devotion to Mary gives us profound spiritual insights which we find enshrined in her prayers and her poetry.