AVRILLON, JEAN-BAPTISTE-ELIE. - Ascetical theologian, born on 10 January 1652 in Paris, died on 16 May 1729. He professed the rule of the Minims (1671). After ordination, he devoted himself to preaching; to improve his effectiveness, he studied Hebrew and Sacred Scripture from the original texts. For 53 years, 30 of them in Paris, he preached with great fruit, universally revered.
He published many ascetical works, excellent guides to the life of love of God in union with the mysteries of Jesus Christ; most of them went through many editions and translations. Among the most recent Italian editions are: *L'Avvento santificato* (Rome 1894); *Condotta cristiana per la festa dell'Assunzione di Maria* (Venice 1894); *Meditazioni sulla S. Comunione* (Venice 1898); *La Quaresima santificata* (Brescia 1932). His major works include the three *Traites sur l'amour de Dieu* (Paris 1740); *Réflexions théologiques, morales et affectives sur les attributs de Dieu... pour chaque jour du mois* (Venice 1705). An excellent preparation for death is the *Commentaire affectif sur le Psaume Miserere* (Paris 1728, later published in Italian); also noteworthy is a course of spiritual exercises: *Retraite de dix jours* (Venice 1713).
Avrillon’s ascetical doctrine, inspired by the school of Bérulle, is distinctly affective in character. Through reflections and sentiments, it leads to the practice of the imitation of Christ, throughout the various days of the month and year, with special emphasis during feasts and liturgical seasons. Avrillon greatly promoted devotion to the “divine infancy of Jesus Christ” (*Réflexions, sentiments et pratiques sur la divine Enfance de J.-C.*, Paris 1719), following Bérulle, Amelote, and Sister Marguerite du Saint-Sacrement (v.).
**