GIOVANNI di BRUNA (BRÜNN, BRNO). - Mystic of the 14th century, first a Beghard and then a Dominican.
The confessions of G. and of Alberto of Brünn in Moravia before the inquisitor Fr. Gallo O.P. of Neuhaus are a source for the knowledge of the doctrine and practice of the Beghards and for the life of G. of Brünn. He lived in Brünn in the married state, aspiring to the life of perfection, which, according to a trusted acquaintance to whom he spoke, consisted in the life of the Beghards who live in poverty and in spirit, without concern for direction by priests. Dividing his property, G. gave half to his wife, who did not consent to his departure, and the other half he took with him to Cologne, where he joined the Brothers of the Free Spirit and Beghards, residing near the church of St. Stephen. After 20 years he rose among the "perfect," whose life he followed for 8 years. Finally converted to Catholic doctrine, he entered the Dominicans, whom he assisted in inquisition cases.