ARBIOL Y DIEZ, ANTONIO. - Spanish Franciscan, preacher and mystical writer, b. at Torrellas in 1651, d. at Saragossa on 31 Jan. 1726. In his Order he taught philosophy and theology and was Provincial of Aragon. In 1720 he refused the bishopric of Ciudad Rodrigo, offered to him by Philip V. He enjoyed a splendid reputation as an orator.
A theologian well versed in mystical doctrine and practice, he combated pseudomystical illusions and was a great opponent of Molinos; in his writings is found the first list of errors condemned by the Church in this matter. Among his works, several times reprinted, the principal are: *Manuale Sacerdotum Sacris Litteris illustratum* (Saragossa 1693), on priestly perfection; *Certamen Marianum Parisiense* (ibid. 1698): defends the *Mystical City* of Mary of Ágreda against the Sorbonne; *Desengaños místicos a las almas detenidas o engañadas en el camino de la perfección* (ibid. 1706): his principal work, on the states of prayer; the 4th book, a compendium of mystical theology, was also published separately under the title *Promptuario místico*; *Mística fundamental de Christo S. N., explicada por el glorioso y beato Padre s. Juan de la Cruz* (ibid. 1723). Heerinckx lists 33 of his published works, besides many unpublished. A. distinguishes between active or acquired contemplation and passive or infused contemplation, which is the term of Christian perfection, and exhorts that the mystical ways be preceded by rigorous asceticism based on self-denial and renunciation.