GIRY, FRANÇOIS. — Minor, ascetical writer, historian, hagiographer, and mystic. Born in Paris on 15 Sept. 1638, died there on 29 Nov. 1688. Of noble family (his father was one of the first members of the French Academy), he overcame strong opposition from his relatives by entering the Minims on 30 Nov. 1653 and professing their Rule. He studied theology under Fr. Barré (v.), whom he later succeeded as provincial and became his most effective supporter in founding schools and the first successor in directing the Institute.
He wrote many esteemed ascetical works, such as: *Traité de la ste Enfance de N. S. J. Christ* (Paris 1670); *Entretiens de J. Christ avec l'âme chrétienne* (ibid. 1674); *Livre des cent points de l'humanité* (ibid. 1679). Among his historical works to be noted is the *Dissertatio chronologica de anno natali et aetate s. Francisci de Paula* (ibid. 1680), intended to correct an erroneous judgment by the Bollandist Fr. Papebroch. His best-known work is *Les vies des Saints* (2 vols. in-fol., Paris 1683-85), which went through countless editions down to our own day and served as the basis for the collection *Les petites Bollandistes*, edited in Paris under the care of Fr. Guérin (17th ed., 1876).
GIROLAMO MIANI (Miani, surnamed Esulano), Saint — Portrait of St. G. M. Detail by Leandro da Bassano (1538-1622) — Venice, Museo Correr.