BEAUCOUSIN, RICHARD. - Carthusian, born in Paris in 1561, died in the repute of sanctity at the Charterhouse of Cahors on 8 Aug. 1610. Having completed his studies in law, he entered the Charterhouse of Vauvert, in Paris, and in 1591 professed religious vows. His piety and mystical learning soon became known even outside the monastery, so that people came from every quarter to consult him, for he was regarded as the holiest and most reliable director in Paris.
They called him “the eye of contemplatives.” S. Francesco di Sales, s. Vincenzo de'Paoli, Pierre de Bérulle, the future cardinal, had him as director or counsellor; card. de Sourdis so admired his virtues that he wished to found a Charterhouse at Bordeaux. He was the spiritual director of the b. Maria dell'Incarnazione (Madame Acarie) and advised her to introduce the reformed Carmelites into France. He was prior of the Charterhouse of Cahors and co-visitor of the province of Aquitaine. Giovanni B. Maillet wrote his biography, which is found in the library of Ajaccio (a gift of card. Fesch).
He wrote several works on spirituality (unpublished) and translated into French Ruysbroek’s booklet, Ornamentum nuptiarum spiritualium (Toulouse, 1606).