The congregation began in the Netherlands in the XIV century and owes its origin to the inspiration of Gerard Grote (1340 - 1384), a deacon of the diocese of Utrecht .

Return to the ideals of the first Christian community

« The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul; no one claimed for his own use anything that he had, as everything they owned was held in common »

Acts of Apostles 4,32

Return to the Gospel, the way of the imitation of Christ is accessible to all.

« Let the Gospel of Christ be the root of your study and the mirror of your life because there is the life of Christ. »

Gérard Grote

 

Some Brothers of the Common Life, under the inspiration of Florentius Radewijns and with the agreement of Gerard Grote, founded a monastery at Windesheim (in the Low Countries) and adopted the Rule of St Augustin, in wich spirit they where already living.

 

 

After his conversion, Gerard Grote, gave his house to a group of women of prayer who were to become the « Sisters of the Common Life » (1374).

A little later, the « Brothers of the Common Life » gathered around Florentius Radewijns (1350-1400), disciple of Gerard Grote.

 

They became Canons Regular on 17th October 1387.

Very soon Windesheim gave a lead and founded other monasteries such as Mount Sint Agnes in Zwolle where Thomas a Kempis (1379-1471) , author of Imitation of Christ lived. This work contains the essence of a spiritual renewal started by Windesheim and wich was to take the name of Devotio Moderna.

 

After the example of the Brothers, some Sisters of the Common Life, also expressed the desire to adopt this kind of life.

 

« in the firm intention to follow Christ in His love for God and people and in renouncing worldly superfluity. »

 

( Vivendi Formula - Mater Salomé Sticken)