devotio moderna

Movement of revived religious spirituality which emerged in the Netherlands at the end of the 14th century and spread into the rest of Western Europe. Its emphasis was on individual, rather than communal, devotion, including the private reading of religious works.

The movement's followers were drawn from the laity, including women, and the clergy. Lay followers formed themselves into associations known as Brothers and Sisters of the Common Life. Among the followers of devotio moderna was Thomas à Kempis, author of De Imitatio Christi/Imitation of Christ.