Having entered the Society of Jesus in 1858, he was professor at Angers and vice-director of the Catholic Faculties from 1881 to 1897; in 1898 he moved to Paris, where he directed the Congregation of Artists. His principal work is *Des grâces d'oraison* (Paris 1901), often reprinted (10th ed., Paris 1922) and translated into various languages (Italian trans., Turin 1910). The author, who himself experienced mystical graces, aimed above all to produce a practical and clear work; hence it is rather descriptive than doctrinal (he carefully sets forth, classifies, and divides the various experiences of the saints and masters of the spiritual life), which proved of the greatest utility and helped to open the way to a wider knowledge of mystical phenomena and to the revival of this kind of study. Also noteworthy are: *La mystique de St Jean de la Croix* (Paris 1893); *Lucie Christine*, *Journal intime* (ibid. 1910).
POULAIN, AUGUSTIN-FRANÇOIS
BIBL.: J. V. BAINVEL, VINCENT, *Biografia*, in the *Introduction* to the 10th ed. of *Des grâces d'oraison*, Paris 1922 (with the various controversies to which the work of Fr. Poulain gave rise); C. Richstaetter, *Mystische Gebetsgnaden*, Innsbruck 1924, pp. 88-208; id., *Kathol. Mystik*, Freiburg in Br. 1928, pp. 44-111. Celestino Testore