Thomas à Kempis
Thomas à Kempis, born Thomas Haemerken in 1380 in the town of Kempen, near Cologne, Germany, was a prominent medieval monk and mystic. He is best known for authoring the Christian devotional work "The Imitation of Christ," one of the most influential and widely read spiritual books in the world. At the age of 13, Thomas left home to attend a school in Deventer, Netherlands, which was run by the Brethren of the Common Life, a religious community committed to educational reform and piety. There, he absorbed their teachings which emphasized clerical discipline and devotional practices.
In 1399, Thomas entered the monastery of Mount St. Agnes near Zwolle, where his brother was prior. He took his solemn vows in 1407 and was ordained a priest in 1413. Thomas spent the majority of his life in this Augustinian monastery, where he engaged in copying manuscripts and composing various religious texts. His writings focus on the inner spiritual life and the pursuit of personal holiness.
"The Imitation of Christ" reflects the devout and introspective nature of Thomas's faith, emphasizing humility, obedience, and the direct relationship between the soul and God. Thomas passed away in 1471, leaving behind a legacy of mysticism deeply grounded in the practical and meditative aspects of Christian life.