Theology and Topophilia in Sacred Spaces: John Bradburne’s Way of the Water

John Bradburne's poetic exploration of sacred spaces and waters reveals a profound correlation between theology and topophilia, rooted in Franciscan and Marian devotion. His life, marked by ecstatic visions and mystical experiences, was deeply intertwined with water sources—from the Lake District to Assisi, Lourdes, and beyond—creating spaces of purification and contemplation. Bradburne's practice of bathing patients at the Mutemwa leper colony and his own rituals on Mount Chigona during Zimbabwe's civil war underscored the sacred significance of these waters. Posthumously, Mount Chigona emerged as a pilgrimage site, symbolizing the enduring influence of his mystic journey. This study charts Bradburne’s devotion, the sacralization of spaces, and the role of water in shaping his spiritual legacy.

Masiola, R. (2023). Theology and Topophilia in Sacred Spaces: John Bradburne’s Way of the Water. English Academy Review, 40(1), 39–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/10131752.2023.2187162