SCHRIJVERS, JOSEPH. - Spiritual writer, born at Zutendaal (Belgium) on 19 Dec. 1876, professed among the Redemptorists in 1895, died at Rome on 4 March 1945. He taught philosophy and ascetical theology to young confreres, of whom he was spiritual prefect. He served as visitor of the Ukrainian mission in Galicia, provincial superior, and general consultor. He combined apostolic activity with an intense interior life; he wrote many books of edification, drawing on the doctrine of St. Alphonsus, which he nonetheless presented in a personal manner.
Among the masters of contemporary spirituality he is one of the most widely read; his works were repeatedly published and translated into several languages. Notable among them are: Les principes de la vie spirituelle (1st ed., Brussels 1913; 7th ed., Paris 1937), a systematic work for schools; La bonne volonté (1st ed., ibid. 1913), considered his best publication; Le don de soi (1st ed., ibid. 1918); Le divin ami (1st ed., ibid. 1922); Les âmes confiantes (1st ed., Louvain 1930); Message de Jésus à son prêtre (Brussels 1932); Ma Mère (1st ed., Esch-sur-Alzette 1925); Jésus parmi nous (1940); his final book Notre Père qui êtes aux cieux (1942) contains in synthesis the teachings scattered through his other works, which continue to do immense good in thousands of copies throughout the world.