TEODORICO da HERXEN (DIRK HERMANSZ VAN HERXEN). - Distinguished representative of the Devotio moderna, born c. 1380 at Herxen (near Windesheim), died at Zwolle on 21 March 1457.
Wishing to become a Carthusian, but in order to be able to work for the salvation of souls, on the advice of Johannes Vos da Heusden, prior of Windesheim, he entered the Brethren of the Common Life at Zwolle (1406). Besides theology, he learned «opera scripturae, ligaturae et illuminaturae». Upon the death of Gerard Scadde da Calcar (2 Dec. 1409), first rector of Zwolle, he was elected to succeed him because of his rare talents. He held this office until his death.
People came from every quarter to consult him concerning the spiritual life and important matters affecting the Church or the Congregation, so that, after the death of the great J. Vos, T. was considered «omnium devotorum generalis pater». Through his direction and administration he exerted a foremost influence on the life and expansion of his Congregation. He translated extensively from Latin, copied various works, and composed several ascetical treatises, of which only two have come down to us in manuscript, together with two of his songs with musical notation.