STANDONCK, JOHANNES van. – Preacher and ascetic reformer, b. at Malines in 1453, d. 2 Feb. 1504. Extremely poor, he began his studies at Malines, then at Gouda (Holland) with the Brethren of the Common Life, at Louvain, and finally at Paris where he completed his philosophical and theological studies. From 1484 he was attached to the Sorbonne.
As professor and preacher, he attracted the friendship of many influential persons and, freed from material concerns, became one of the most celebrated masters of the University. Leading an exceedingly austere life, he exercised immense charity. To remedy the decline of morals among the people and of discipline within the clergy, he turned to a radical reform, proposing to Charles VIII (1493) a series of energetic measures against abuses.
His influence as a reformer extended to the Benedictines, Canons Regular, Franciscans, Dominicans, and Crosiers. S. renewed and endowed the Collège de Montaigu in Paris; he attached to it a “house for the poor” to prepare sons of the common people for the priesthood. Having fallen into disfavour with the King, he used his exile to found four colleges in the Low Countries. Reinstated in royal favour, he continued his work of founding and reforming institutions until his death.