JEAN BAGOT. - French Jesuit, born in Rennes on 11 July 1591, died in Paris on 23 August 1664. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1611, taught philosophy (1620-26) and theology (1626-39), and spent some time in Rome as general reviser of books (1639-43). Returning to France, he served as superior of the professed house in Paris from 1655 until his death.
B. directly opposed Jansenism both in his teaching and writings: *Apologeticus fidei* (2 vols., Paris 1644-1645); an excerpt: *Dissertationes de veritate unius religionis christianae... in subsidium missionum apostolicarum* (ibid. 1661); *De poenitentia dissertationes theologicae* (ibid. 1646); *Libertatis et gratiae christianae defensio adversus Calvinum et Pelagium in Cornelio Iansenio Batavo redivivos* (ibid. 1653). He also engaged in a lengthy controversy with the Parisian clergy through the work: *Defense du droit épiscopal et de la liberté des fidèles touchant les Mises et les Confessions d'obligation* (ibid. 1655), which he himself translated into Latin as *Ius episcopale* (ibid. 1659).
His most notable activity, however, unfolded in another sphere—that of spiritual direction. As rector at La Flèche and later in Paris, and as director of Marian congregations (with their strict observances, the *Aa* [v.], i.e., *Assemblée des associés*), he guided many noble souls toward the perfect life or toward foreign missions. Such was the case at La Flèche with St. Isaac Jogues. The *Aa* of Paris, or “Société des bons amis,” which brought together men like Henri-Marie Boudon, François de Montmorency-Laval, François Pallu, and Vincent de Meur, collaborated with the *Compagnie du S. Sacrement* (v. i) in many good works. When Fr. Alexandre de Rhodes returned from Tonkin seeking missionaries and especially bishops, the group led by Fr. B. provided the first three vicars apostolic for the Far East and laid the foundation for the establishment of the Seminary of the Society of Foreign Missions, of which Vincent de Meur became the first superior.