François NEPVEU (St-Malo, 29 Apr. 1639 – Rennes, 17 Feb. 1708). Spiritual writer. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1639 and taught grammar and humanities, rhetoric and philosophy. He served as superior in Nantes (1679), rector of Vannes (1684), Orléans (1694 and 1700), Rouen (1697) and Rennes (1704). For several years he directed spiritual retreats.
He is remembered for his highly esteemed spiritual works, including: De l’amour de Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ et des moyens de l’acquérir (Nantes 1684); Méthode facile d’oraison réduite en pratique (ibid. 1684); Pensées et réflexions chrétiennes pour tous les jours de l’année (Paris 1695); L’esprit du christianisme, ou la conformité du chrétien avec Jésus-Christ (Paris 1700). These works saw numerous reprints and were translated into the principal languages.