SCHRIJVERS, JOSEPH. - Spiritual writer, b. at Zutendaal (Belgium) on 19 Dec. 1876, he professed among the Redemptorists in 1895, d. at Rome on 4 March 1945. He taught philosophy and ascetical theology to his young confrères, of whom he was spiritual prefect. He was visitor of the Ukrainian mission in Galicia, provincial superior, and general consultor. He combined apostolic activity with an intense interior life; he wrote many edifying books, drawing upon the doctrine of s. Alfonso, which he nevertheless 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. Noteworthy are: Les principes de la vie spirituelle (1st ed., Brussels 1913; 7th ed. Paris 1937), a systematic work for the school; 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., Eschchen 1925); Jésus parmi nous (1940); his last book, Notre Père qui êtes aux cieux (1942), contains in summary the teachings scattered throughout the others, which, in thousands of copies, continue throughout the world to do inestimable good.