Thomas A Kempis

The German author and monk known as Thomas A Kempis was born in 1380 at Kempen, Prussia, near Cologne. He was originally named Thomas Hammerken or Hemerken and was the son of John and Gertrude.

He left Kempen Grammar School at the age of 13 and joined the Brethren of the Common Life in Deventer, where his elder brother John already lived. The community was founded in 1376 by Gerald Groote with the aim of prompting a return to apostolic zeal and simplicity.

Thomas was mentored by Florentius during the seven years he spent at Deventer and in 1399 travelled to Zwolle in the Netherlands seeking admission to the Augustine monastery at Mount St. Agnes where his brother was Prior. He was successful and joined the order, being ordained as a priest in 1413 aged 33. In 1425 he became sub-prior of his house. He died in 1471 at the age of 92.

Writings.

Thomas A Kempis wrote The Imitation of Christ, summing up the thoughts behind Groote's movement. He also wrote biographies of Gerald Groote, Florentius Radewyn and others, and many other devotional works such as Prayers and Meditations on the Life of Christ, Sermons to Novices, Spiritual Exercises, The Garden of Roses, The Elevation of the Mind, On Solitude and Silence, On the Discipline of the Cloister and The Soliloquy of the Soul.

Advice from Kempis.

"Do not be influenced by the importance of the writer, and whether his learning be great or small, but let the love of pure truth draw you to read. Do not inquire, Who said this? but pay attention to what is said."