MAES, BONIFACIUS. — Franciscan ascetical-mystical theologian, born at Gand (Belgium) in 1627, died there on 3 October 1706. He entered the Order of Friars Minor in 1647. For several years he taught philosophy and theology to his fellow religious. He was guardian of the convent of Iperen four times, and in 1677 became provincial of the entire Flemish province. He was then general commissary of the provinces of Belgium, Germany, France, and Ireland, and finally became a general definitor of the Order.
This “distinguished ascetic” (Hurter, II, col. 783) wrote various pamphlets on spiritual subjects, among them the very celebrated Mystieke Theologie of te verborgen Godtsghelerethet (Theologia mystica; Gand 1668), of which at least 16 editions are known: 9 in Flemish, 6 in Latin, and one in French. The purpose of this pamphlet is to prepare devout souls, through the ascetical way, for the contemplative life, which is the crowning of the spiritual life. M. bases himself on the spiritual doctrine of the Franciscans Enrico Harphius (v. HERP) and Alfonso di Madrid (De vera Deo apte inserendo methodo).