STERCKX, ENGELBERT. - Cardinal, Archbishop of Mechelen, b. 2 Nov. 1792 at Ophem, d. 4 Dec. 1867 at Mechelen. Ordained priest in 1815, he taught philosophy and moral theology at Mechelen, then became parish priest, vicar general, Archbishop in 1832, and Cardinal in 1838.
Noteworthy was his opposition to the anti-religious policy of William I of Holland prior to the Belgian revolution of 1830. A champion of broad religious freedom and tolerance in Belgium, he advocated its necessity, though not always in harmony with the Holy See. He secured great advantages for his country, particularly in the field of Catholic religious education (Catholic schools, foundation of the University of Louvain) and in the reorganization of Catholic life in his diocese.
Works: *Histoire de la vie et du martyre du bienheureux Louis Florès d'Auvers*, Mechelen 1807; *Courte dissertation sur la manière de représenter par la peinture le mystère de l'Immaculée Conception*, ibid. 1855; *La Constitution belge et l'encyclopédie de Grégoire XVI*, ibid. 1864.