DIRCKING (DIRCKING), JOHANNES. - Jesuit writer, born 13 April 1641 at Bocholt (Westphalia), died 26 January 1716 at Geist (Büren). Professor of humanities and philosophy; he was also rector at Coesfeld, Hildesheim, Büren, and Münster; provincial from 1705 to 1708; master of novices and instructor of the third probation. He was most devoted to regular observance and rather strict in his governance.
He left valuable spiritual works, including three "Hortologia": *Sacerdotale* (Cologne 1691); *Spirituale Schola-sticorum Soc. Iesu* (ibid. 1716); *Iuventutis studiosae* (ibid. 1718); *Semita perfectionis purgativa, illuminativa et unica* (ibid. 1705), translated into English, Italian, French, and German, was his masterpiece. Other writings included works for priests and for women consecrated to God.