A Pilgrimage of the Heart: Walter Hilton and the English Mystical Tradition

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.

“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, Kevin Goodrich employs a conversational tone to invite spiritual seekers to pursue the contemplative journey, enriched by the wisdom of Hilton and his contemporaries. Goodrich has contributed to the present resurgence of interest in spirituality by directing his readers to the rich legacy of fourteenth-century English mysticism.” ~ The Rev’d Dr. Julia Gatta is the Bishop Frank A. Juhan Professor of Pastoral Theology in the School of Theology, the University of the South, Sewanee, author, The Pastoral Art of the English Mystics

“The English mystics are a rich treasure and deep well of spiritual wisdom that deserve to be better known. Kevin Goodrich's A Pilgrimage of the Heart is an excellent introduction to these saints of the church. Because the Christian life is a pilgrimage, we need capable guides and the English mystics are excellent leaders. But more importantly, Goodrich is an excellent guide to these guides so that we can get to know them well, entrusting ourselves to their guidance. There is a lot of practical and helpful advice in this book that will benefit all who read it on pilgrimage." ~ The Rev’d Dr. Greg Peters, Professor of Medieval and Spiritual Theology in the Torrey Honors College, Biola University; and the Servants of Christ Research Professor of Monastic Studies and Ascetical Theology at Nashotah House Theological Seminary; author, The Monkhood of All Believers: The Monastic Foundation of Christian Spirituality

“I rarely read books without laying them down for a few days or weeks to return to them. Pilgrimage of the Heart by Father Goodrich is one that I picked up and without opening another book, finished reading. As a reader with a keen interest in biographies, spirituality, and mysticism, Pilgrimage of the Heart not only captured my attention but also deepened my passion for real-life stories that are practical and reflective of everyday life. The book weaves the experiences of great mystics into a narrative that is not just inspiring, but also applicable to our own spiritual journeys. This is a small, easy-to-read book on prayer, contemplation, and pilgrimage. A great resource for study groups or anyone with an interest in these topics.” ~ The Right Rev’d. Jos Tharakan, Bishop of Idaho

“A Pilgrimage of the Heart is a true gift for anyone on a spiritual journey toward a deeper relationship with God and each other. Whether you’re a spiritual director, training to be a spiritual director, or you are just searching for more, this book is for you! Father Kevin, in his beautifully inclusive ecumenical way, invites us to enter into the fullness of what God desires for each of us, reminds us that we are not meant to walk this journey alone, shows us the importance of contemplative spiritual practices in the midst of our daily lives, and introduces us to mystics that have walked this path before us and continue to light the way.” ~ Heidi Lender, Executive Director, Christos Center for Spiritual Formation