A lively, devotional, and practical guide to the teachings of the fourteenth- century English Mystical Tradition

Introduces the English mystical tradition and the spiritual counsel of spiritual writers like Walter Hilton and Julian of Norwich

Invites readers to intentionally make their life a pilgrimage, using Hilton's wisdom as a guide

A lively, devotional, and practical guide to the teachings of the fourteenth century English Mystical Tradition. A Pilgrimage of the Heart introduces readers to the most well-known mystics and spiritual writers of this period, including Walter Hilton, Richard Rolle, the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing, Julian of Norwich, and Margery Kempe. Walter Hilton gave up a promising career in law to pursue a life of greater spiritual commitment. His spiritual guidance, captured in written form in the books and letters he wrote, was widely read and circulated in the Middle Ages. Since his time, Hilton has remained a trusted source for spiritual wisdom, inspiration, and direction. In this down to earth book, Father Goodrich invites readers to intentionally make their life a pilgrimage, a sacred journey taken for a sacred purpose. In a Pilgrimage of the Heart, readers from a wide variety of backgrounds, spiritual experiences, and denominations will find encouragement for their relationship with God, others, and themselves. Along the way they will learn engaging bits of history, theology, and spirituality through interesting stories and helpful illustrations.

Editorial Reviews
"Fr Kevin evokes vividly the landscape and context of the fourteenth century English mystics, and with gentleness and some wit directs us to follow in their footsteps through 'the hill country of the spirit'. This is an enticing book, full of practical directives for us to make of our own lives a spiritual pilgrimage to the heavenly Jerusalem in the company of Walter Hilton, Julian and many other mothers and fathers of the English way." ~ The Rev'd Canon Dr Alison Milbank, Associate Professor of Literature and Theology at the University of Nottingham, author of The Once and Future Parish

"Come and see. Walter Hilton is not only a mystic to admire from afar, a static representative of a certain sort of English spirituality, but a surefooted trail guide for those yet at the beginning of the way, on the foothills of the spiritual path. While armchair travellers will be edified, this book is for the rucksack rather than the coffee table, addressed to those urged on by a perhaps-inexplicable longing, shoes tied, staves in hand, ready to set off for Jerusalem. And to set out, not across some generic or idealized terrain but across the specific landscape of their own life circumstances. This book is, above all, an invitation from Walter Hilton and his four near contemporaries to come apprentice to the spiritual craft, to feel the heft of their tools, and their edge. Whatever the reader may do to keep body and soul together, they too may become learners in the kingdom of heaven, and brave the grit, grace and beauty of the way." ~ The Rev'd. Sr. Hilary Crupi, OJN, Prioress of the Order of Julian of Norwich

"We're invited to become friends with these great mystical companions in order to make our own pilgrimages; whether activist or contemplative, especially devout or just travellers on the way. Here is rich fayre more than sufficient for transformative journeys." ~ The Very Rev'd David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury

"By writing in the vernacular English of his day, Walter Hilton sought to bring the mystical tradition to a wide-ranging audience. In much the same spirit,...