VERVOORT, FRANCESCO

VERVOORT, FRANCESCO. — Franciscan ascetical theologian, born at Malines around 1500, died there on 24 September 1555.

Few biographical details about him are known. He inherited a considerable fortune from his parents and, according to his own confession, enjoyed the pleasures of the world; but suddenly (after 1520) he entered the Friars Minor at Malines. He acquired an intimate knowledge of ascetical and mystical literature, both ancient and contemporary. When Johannes von Isemborch, archbishop of Trier, requested an apostolic man who could assist him in the reform of his diocese, V. was proposed to him by Fr. provincial Holstanus, who praised him in a letter of 30 June 1551, the principal source for V.’s biography. It is not known, however, whether V. went to Trier.

(from La miniature dei Sacramentaria d'Ivrea e di altri codici warmondiani, edited by L. Magnani, Vatican City III, tav. I) BISHOP — Consecration of the V. II V. consecrating blesses the newly elected bishop, who bows, assisted by another V. and by the clergy in an attitude of expectation for the ritual imposition of hands. Miniature from the Sacramentary of Varmondo, fol. 8 (967–1015). Ivrea, Biblioteca capitolare.

Some of his writings remain unpublished; most were published anonymously under the care of his friends and patrons. V. was not an original thinker: without indicating his sources, he drew on earlier authors (e.g., Ruusbroec, Herp, Eckehart, Tauler; a systematic investigation remains to be undertaken). All his writings, however, are imbued with a personal spirit. His doctrine has a speculative foundation that leaves the way open toward mystical ascent. But the development and general structure of his works are affective in character and treat the inexhaustible theme of the ardent love of the suffering Christ and of God dwelling in the heart. V.’s style is rich and varied; his imagination unfolds in an unceasing lyricism.