VAN DE VYVER, AGOSTINO. - Bishop, b. at Haesdonck (Belgium) on 1 Dec. 1844, d. at Richmond (Virginia, U.S.A.) on 16 Oct. 1911.
Having completed his studies at the American College of Louvain, he was ordained priest in 1870 and immediately went to the United States, to the diocese of Richmond. Parish priest of Harper's Ferry from 1875 to 1881, he was subsequently called to exercise the same functions at the diocesan Cathedral, shortly afterwards assuming the office of vicar general to the bishop, Mons. Keane. When the latter was called to another office, V. de V. was raised to the episcopate and placed at the head of the extensive diocese of Richmond (1889). A prelate of broad learning and manifold activity, he was one of the most zealous North American bishops of his time and gave notable development to Catholicism. He was responsible for the construction of a new Cathedral, made necessary by the growth of his flock; for the foundation and spread of numerous Catholic associations (chiefly among them the Knights of Columbus); and for the establishment of schools, hospitals, charitable and cultural institutions. He promoted the Catholic press and took an active interest in social problems. He also encouraged fruitful meetings of the American episcopate, thereby winning widespread esteem not only among Catholics but among all the inhabitants of Richmond, irrespective of religious denomination.