Devotio Moderna

The Devotio Moderna (Modern Devotion or New Devotion) was a movement of religious revival that started in what is now the Netherlands in the late 14th century. Its main characteristics were an inward-looking piety, asceticism and the fostering of the virtuous life. Its instigator was Geert Grote (1340-1384). After having started an ecclesiastical career, a period of severe illness led to a process of inner conversion (1372). After several years of retreat he re-entered public life in 1379, preaching a life of purity and spiritual renewal and combating the decadence of the Church. Although he was wholly orthodox in his criticisms, he was silenced in 1383. He spent the rest of his life...