Devotio Moderna was a spiritual movement that emerged in the late 14th century in the Low Countries and spread throughout Europe. It emphasized personal piety, inner devotion, and a direct relationship with God, often through prayer and meditation. This movement sought to reform the Catholic Church by encouraging individuals to focus on their spiritual lives rather than external rituals. Key figures of Devotio Moderna included Gerard Groote, who founded the Brethren of the Common Life, a community that promoted education and spiritual growth. The movement laid the groundwork for later religious reforms and influenced the Renaissance and the Reformation, highlighting the importance of personal faith and scripture.