DREXEL (Drexelius), JEREMIAS. - Jesuit, ascetical writer, b. at Augusta on 15 Aug. 1581, of Protestant parents; d. at Monaco di Baviera on 18 Apr. 1638. Having lost his father, he became a Catholic; in 1598 he entered the Society of Jesus and was a professor at Monaco and Augusta and, from 1615, preacher at the court of Duke Massimiliano di Baviera.
D. distinguished himself as an elegant orator, original in style and rich in learning; for 23 years he was heard with great acclaim. The effectiveness of his oratory was enhanced by the example of his life. In order to benefit more fully the numerous audience that thronged his pulpit, D. turned many subjects of his preaching into ascetical booklets, which enjoyed wide circulation. In the years 1620 to 1639 alone, 21 of his writings appeared, with a total print run of 158,700 copies. To these were added reprints abroad, with many translations into the principal languages. His most important work was the Deliciae gentis humanae, in 3 vols. (Monaco 1638). The booklets De aeternitate considerationes (ivi 1620), which in only 4 years had 9 reprints, and the Zodiacus, Christianus beniphratus seu signa duodecim Divinae praedestinationis (ivi 1622), also met with great success.