Canterbury Cathedral Online Book Group

Online Book Group: The Fire of Love by Richard Rolle (1300-1349)

on Tuesdays over 9 weeks (between 6 May to 15 July), 20:00 - 21:00 BST, via Zoom

The Fire of Love presents the thoughts and feelings of the 14th-century hermit Richard Rolle, as he confronts the divine mystery. His treatise is partly autobiographical and partly a practical guide to the devout life. Alone in the unutterable knowledge of his Creator, Rolle examines the path of spiritual progress with enthusiasm, faith and above all, warmth. Rolle’s personal love of God and the sweetness and melody of his writings assure his place among the foremost pre-Reformation English mystics.

You are warmly invited to join Canon Emma online each Tuesday evening via Zoom, to reflect and discuss this extraordinary devotional work.

Together we shall read and discuss the complete text - focussing on specific chapters each week.

We will be reading the Penguin Classic version, translated by Clifton Wolters. This book is out of print so we will upload the relevant chapters onto our website so you can read them ahead of the group meeting.

Each week the session will be recorded so if you miss a week you can catch up along with the ‘Questions to Ponder’.

Whether you can join us for just a few or all of the gatherings, you are most welcome to read together this celebration of Richard Rolle’s profound religious experiences and the insights he gained from them to take into your own spiritual life.

The group is free, but any donation you may wish to make to the mission and ministry of the Cathedral will be warmly received.

Booking essential - Book your space to be sent a Zoom link. It will be the same zoom link for each week.

Each week Canon Emma will begin with a brief introduction followed by discussion and then concluding with prayer.

Week One – 6th May: Prologue and Chapters 1 – 3: On Fire with Love

Week Two – 13th May: Chapters 4 – 8: God’s lovers

Week Three – 20th May: Chapters 9 – 12: The Holy Life

NO SESSION - 27th May: Half Term

Week Four – 3rd June: Chapters 13- 17: The Solitary Life

Week Five – 10th June Chapters 18 – 25: The Penitential Life

Week Six – 17th June: Chapters 26 – 28: The True and Perfect Lover

Week Seven – 24th June: Chapters 29 – 32: Instructions for Beginners

Week Eight – 1st July: Chapters 33 – 37: Spiritual Song and Rapture

NO SESSION – 8th July

Week Nine – 15th July: Chapters 38 – 42: The Longing Desire

For future suggestions of spiritual books for the group to read please email Canon Emma at emma.pennington@canterbury-cathedral.org