Medieval Women Creating Lives of Radical Service
What would it look like to completely dedicate our lives in service to Divine Love? The medieval women of the Beguine order created a community built on simplicity, community, and service. What can their example offer us today?
What if we created our own lives and communities that reflected our beliefs about Divine service and Love? The medieval order of women mystics, the Beguines, created communities and a way of life that emphasized mystical experiences, prayer, and compassionate service as the essential acts of spiritual growth and divine communion.
Emerging in what is now The Netherlands, northern Germany, and France in the 13th to 15th centuries, the Beguines were deeply devoted and fiercely independent women who lived in spiritual communities. Mostly upper- and middle-class women, this lay order branched off from the strict hierarchies of high society and the church. Their vision was to dedicate their lives to social work and exploring scripture on their own terms. The Beguines often faced criticism and persecution from their broader patriarchal society, and yet they remained dedicated to rethinking what it really meant to dedicate oneself to a life of service.
“The Beguines often faced criticism and persecution from broader patriarchal society, and yet they remained dedicated to rethinking what it really meant to dedicate oneself to a life of service.”
Marguerite Porete, a Beguine mystic, advocated a deep form of mysticism focused on the annihilation of the self through a kind of detached love. She viewed mystical union with God as the goal, criticizing those who failed to see beyond superficial spiritual experiences. Porete’s teachings challenged believers to transcend personal desires and embrace selfless love as a pathway to encountering God.
Angela of Foligno, another female mystic of the time, highlighted the transformative power of prayer of virtues such as faith, hope, and kindness. Through prayerful communion with the divine, seekers can deepen their spiritual awareness and cultivate a profound love for God and humanity. Angela offers us thoughts on the transformative power of Love: “The more you love, the more joy you will take in all you see, and the greater your joy, the greater your understanding. Then you will reach the completeness of Light because you will understand you cannot understand anything at all.”
“The more you love, the more joy you will take in all you see, and the greater your joy, the greater your understanding. Then you will reach the completeness of Light because you will understand you cannot understand anything at all.” — Angela of Foligno
Mechthild of Magdeburg, one of the most well-known Beguine mystics and visionaries, emphasized compassionate service as a tangible expression of Divine love. She envisioned practical acts of kindness as reflections of God’s presence in the world. Mechthild’s teachings challenge believers to embody radical compassion—recognizing the divine image in every person they encounter.
These incredible women, the Beguines, invite us to meet God through selfless service to others. By embracing mystical experiences, prayerful communion with the Divine, and compassionate action, we can cultivate a deeper connection with God and embody divine love in the world. Through their teachings and examples, the Beguines inspire us to seek God’s presence in acts of kindness, generosity, and service towards all beings, fostering a more compassionate and spiritually enriching life.
Reflect with Us
If you were to imagine a new spiritual community—what would be the core principles? Share your reflection with us.
Thank you to CAC Librarians Lee and Seth for their research on the Beguines.
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