LUDOVICO FRANCESCO d'ARGENTAN. – Capuchin ascetical writer of the province of Normandy, b. at Argentani on 26 April 1615, d. at Rouen on 8 July 1680. He was lecturer in philosophy (1641), provincial minister (1665–68, 1678–80), general commissary in the Belgian regions conquered by Luigi XIV (1674–75), and an indefatigable preacher.
From the manuscripts of his spiritual companion J. Bernières-Louvigny (v.) he composed Le chrétien intérieur (Rouen 1660; numerous editions and translations; Italian version Venice 1661), in which he treats of the life of union with God; the second volume, on the purgative and illuminative life, appeared later (Rouen 1676).
The first volume, being susceptible to quietist interpretations, was proscribed (26 July 1689); other editions nevertheless appeared (the expurgated edition [Pamiers 1781] recasts the two volumes into one); the Italian version was reprinted with ecclesiastical approval (Turin 1899). The Italian edition (Genoa 1670, etc.) of Les exercices du chrétien intérieur (Paris 1664, etc.) was likewise placed on the Index (7 July 1728).
Without such incidents, by contrast, the Conférences théologiques et spirituelles du chrétien intérieur sur les grandeurs de Dieu (Paris 1674; Italian translation Parma 1683) spread through successive editions, translations, adaptations, and abridgements; as did Conférences... sur les grandeurs de Jésus Christ Homme-Dieu (there 1676; Italian translation Vercelli 1778). At the urging of his friend and admirer s. Giovanni Eudes, these were followed by the Conférences... sur les grandeurs de la très sainte Vierge Marie, Mère de Dieu (Rouen 1680; Italian translation Vercelli 1778); together they provide a theological, apologetic, and ascetical exposition that illustrates the truths of the faith in a clear and fervent manner, for the nourishment of the spiritual and contemplative life.