EISELIN, WILHELM

EISELIN, WILHELM. - Premonstratensian cleric, b. at Mindelheim (Württemberg) in 1564, d. at Rot on 28 March 1588. Son of poor parents, he was educated by the Canons Regular of the Holy Spirit at Memmingen, became a novice and cleric in the Premonstratensian abbey at Rot (Württemberg).

For his theological training, E. was sent to the Jesuit University at Dillingen. He was, however, forced by illness to abandon his studies and return to the abbey, where he died at the age of twenty-four after a brief illness. Despite his limited intellect, E. achieved good results in his studies through diligence and fervent prayer. He was noted for his purity and fervent Marian devotion. His body, which at death was said to have shone with beauty, emitted a sweet fragrance. His relics are preserved at Rot. He is venerated as a blessed in Sweden.

Bibl.: M. Mertz, Rosa in hieme. Vita Wilhelm Rothensis sanctae et immortalis memoriae in Svezia. Car. Ord. Praem., published by J. Chr. Van der Sterre, Antwerp 1627, 2nd ed. Marchal 1709; M. Radermus, Bavaria Pia, Munich 1628 (2nd ed. 1710), 3rd ed. 1724; L. Goovaerts, Eertiaan, artistes et savants de l'Ordre de Prémontré. Brussels 1809, p. 238; J. Rehoboth, Leben des gottesliegen Jünglings IV. E., Munich 1914; F. X. Doy, Heilige und Selige der röm. kath. Kirche, II. Ligia 1929, p. 346 (with bibliography).