MARTIN, SIMON. - Mystical theologian and hagiographer of the Minims, b. in Paris in 1595, d. there on 19 Dec. 1653. He entered the Order of Minims while young and immediately displayed a marked inclination toward contemplation. He attained a high degree of perfection and died with a reputation for holiness after a painful illness borne with unconquered patience.
His principal works: Les souffrances de Jésus Christ (Paris 1630); Les actions admirables de Jésus Christ (there 1630); Le Martyrologe romain traduit en français and Le martyrologe des saints de France (there 1638); Les exercices pour les dix jours (there 1644); Méditations sur les Épîtres et les Évangiles des dimanches et festes selon le Missel romain (there 1664); Les vies des saints dont on fait l'office dans le cours de l'année et des plusieurs d'autres plus célèbres (2 folio vols., Paris 1648). This work, revised and enlarged by Fr. Giry (v.), had a great many editions. M. also published several other lives of saints or venerables.