FILIPPO della S.MA TRINITÀ. – Philosopher, theologian, and mystic of the Discalced Carmelites, in the world Julien Esprit, born in Malaucène (Vaucluse) on 19 July 1603, died in Naples on 21 February 1671. He made his profession at Lyons and, having departed from Rome (1629) for the eastern missions, crossed Syria, Palestine, Armenia, and Persia, and arrived at Goa (India) in 1631, where for many years he was superior of the convent and professor of philosophy and theology. His geographical and historical experiences and knowledge, acquired during his long journeys in the East, were described by him in the well-known Itinerarium Orientale (Lyons 1669; later translated into French, Italian, and German). Returning from India (1639), he became general definitor (1659), and then superior general (1665–71) until his death.
His works, still highly esteemed and sought after today for their depth and clarity, include, besides the one cited and many others of lesser importance: Summa philosophica (Lyons 1648, Cologne 1654, 1665); Summa theologiae Thomisticae (5 vols., Lyons 1653 ff.); Summa Theologiae mysticae (there 1656, Brussels 1674); Maria sicut aurora consurgens seu de Immaculata Concepta (Lyons 1667); Historia Carmelitani Ordinis (there 1656); Decor Carmeli Religiosi (there 1665).