Biography

English-born Margery Kempe was an orthodox Catholic. Following the birth of her first child, Kempe had several spiritual visions. As a mystic, she shared her dreams and insights. The visions were a driving force in her life, telling her various things to do and not do. She prayed multiple times a day and attended confession several times a day. She traveled extensively in Europe, including the holy city of Jerusalem. The religious authorities of the day imprisoned and tried her for heresy, claiming she was possessed, preaching (illegal for a woman), and wearing white. Her legacy includes her autobiography, which she dictated to a scribe. Kempe was born around the year 1373 and died sometime after the year 1483. Her Book depicting women's life during medieval times has been reprinted, translated into other languages, and dramatized.

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer