TITELMANS, FRANCISCUS. - Franciscan theologian, b. at Hasselt (Belgium) in 1502 or shortly before, d. in 1537. He studied philosophy at the University of Louvain, where in 1521 he obtained the degree of *magister artium*; after theological studies he was ordained priest for the diocese of Liège.
But in 1523 he entered the Order of St. Francis, where he was entrusted with teaching his brethren. He acquired great fame for learning even outside the Order. Desirous of silence and perfection, in 1536, with the permission of his superiors, he entered among the Capuchins; elected provincial, he died prematurely.
All his works are written in Latin, except for a spiritual pamphlet, *De Schat des Kerstengeloofs* (Antwerp 1531; Lat. version: *Summa mysteriorum christianae fidei*), a simple and clear exposition of Catholic doctrine through reflections and prayers; this, together with *De expositione mysteriorum Missae* (1544), is his most notable treatise. The other works may be divided into four groups: philosophical, ascetical, theological-sacramental, and historical. His exegesis brought him into conflict with Erasmus.