ENGEL, LUDWIG. - Benedictine, renowned canonist and moral theologian, b. at Wagrein (Lower Austria) at the beginning of the 1600s, d. at Grillenberg on 22 April 1674. He was professor of canon law in 1660 and then vice-chancellor in 1669.
His writings are distinguished by clarity of thought, ease of exposition, and a sense of practical usefulness, by which they are constantly inspired.
He is chiefly known for his Collegium universi iuris canonici, which, first published in institutional form (Salzburg 1670) and immediately afterwards according to the classical order of the Decretals (3 vols., ibid. 1671–74), soon went through many editions, was highly praised also in Protestant circles, and helped to rank its author among the most learned canonists of the time.
He wrote: Manuale parachorum (Salzburg 1662), published several times; Forum competens (ibid. 1663); Tractatus de privilegiis et iuribus monasteriorum ex iure communi deductus (ibid. 1664).