MARTIN, SIMON

SIMON MARTIN. — Mystical theologian and hagiographer of the Minims, born in Paris in 1595, died there on 19 December 1653. He entered the Order of Minims while still young and immediately displayed a marked inclination toward contemplation. He attained a high degree of perfection and died in a reputation for holiness after a harrowing illness borne with invincible patience.

His principal works include: *Les souffrances de Jésus Christ* (Paris 1630); *Les actions admirables de Jésus Christ* (1630); *Le Martyrologe romain traduit en français et le martyrologe des saints de France* (1638); *Les exercices pour les dix jours* (1634); *Méditations sur les Epistres et les Évangiles des dimanches et festes selon le Missel* (1634); *Les vies des saints dont on fait l'office dans le cours de l'année et des plusieurs d'autres plus célèbres* (2 vols. fol., Paris 1648). This work, revised and expanded by Fr. Giry (v.), went through numerous editions. M. also published several other lives of saints or venerables.

BIBL.: R. Thuillier, *Diarium patrum, fratrum et sororum, O. M. provinciae Parisien.*, II, Paris 1709, pp. 200–93; G. Roberti, *Disegno storico dell'Ordine dei Minimi*, II, Rome 1922, pp. 567–69.