Imagine writing a book so influential that it becomes the second best-selling and most-translated work in history, surpassed only by the Bible itself. Now, imagine after all this being denied sainthood despite dedicating your entire life in service to Christ!
Such is the pious legend of Thomas à Kempis, the medieval cleric whose work continues to inspire millions of Catholics.
Born in Kempen, Germany around 1380, Thomas à Kempis went on to join the Augustinian Canons. He devoted his days to prayer, copying sacred texts and guiding other’s spiritual formation. Among his many accomplishments, he painstakingly copied the entire Bible—four times!
In 1420, Thomas started writing what would become The Imitation of Christ, a devotional guide to Catholic living. This simple, contemplative work went on to significantly influence saints like Ignatius of Loyola and Thérèse of Lisieux, cementing its status as one of the most important spiritual books ever written.
Unfortunately, Thomas’s path to sainthood was unexpectedly derailed when his body was exhumed 200 years after his death. According to tradition, scratch marks were discovered on the inside of his coffin, along with splinters under his fingernails—suggesting he may have been buried alive. The Church reportedly hesitated, reasoning that no saint would fight death so desperately rather than embrace it willingly, and his cause for canonization was eventually abandoned.
Some historians debate the truth of this claim. It is speculated that these marks were fabricated by later skeptics. However, others suggest Thomas’s humility may have led him to instead accept his “denial” of sainthood without protest.
“I have sought everywhere for peace, but I have found it not, save in nooks and in books.” – Thomas à Kempis
As his cause for canonization was opened, he has the title Servant of God. While he was never officially canonized, some faithful venerate Thomas today as a model of Catholic devotion and simplicity.
Would you consider reading The Imitation of Christ?
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