TEODORICO da HERXEN (DIRK HERMANSZ VAN HERXEN). — Outstanding representative of the *Devotio moderna*, b. ca. 1380 at Herxen (near Windsheim), d. at Zwolle on 21 March 1457.
Eager to become a Carthusian, yet wishing to labour for the salvation of souls, on the advice of Johannes Vos of Heusden, prior of Windsheim, he entered the Brethren of the Common Life at Zwolle (1406). Besides theology, he learned “opera scripturae, ligaturae et illuminaturae.” At the death of Gerard Scadde of 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.
From all sides people came to consult him on spiritual life and on important matters concerning the Church or the Congregation, so that, after the death of the great J. Vos, T. was regarded as “omnium devotorum generalis pater.” Through his guidance and administration he exercised a leading influence on the life and spread of his Congregation. He translated much from Latin, copied various works, and composed several ascetical treatises, of which only two manuscripts survive, together with two of his hymns with musical notation.