LEHODEY, VITAL. - Trappist ascetical-mystical theologian, secular name Alcime, b. at Hamlye (France) on 17 Dec. 1857, d. at Bricquebec on 6 May 1948. Ordained priest on 18 Dec. 1880, on 28 July 1890 he entered the Trappist monastery of Bricquebec (France) under the name Vitale, and was elected its abbot on 8 July 1895, resigning on 20 July 1929 for reasons of health.
Charged with revising the Directoire Spirituel of his Order (Bricquebec 1905; Italian trans. Rome 1920), he emphasized therein the primacy of charity and contemplation, without, however, minimizing the importance of asceticism.
His name remains especially linked to two works: Les voies de l'oraison mentale (Paris 1908; Italian trans. Turin 1922), in which, in a simple and clear style, he teaches a doctrine drawn from the sources of sound theology and from the spirituality of the great Cistercian masters and others, concerning prayer in all its degrees, thus making this most delicate subject accessible to all and contributing greatly to the rehabilitation of mysticism.
Also famous is his Le saint abandon (Paris 1919; Italian trans. Florence 1945), in which with profound learning he teaches the nature, foundation, object, and fruits of abandonment; it is a sure guide showing how such a disposition of soul is wholly based upon inner renunciation and the most generous love.