JOHANNES VOS. - Ascetic theologian, b. at Heusden (Holland) in 1363, d. at Windesheim in 1426. He studied at the chapter school in Deventer, where he became a friend of F. Radewijns, who recommended him to Gerard Groote for his skill as a copyist.
He entered the Brethren of the Common Life at Deventer under Radewijns’s direction, but moved to Windesheim (q.v.) as soon as the Congregation was founded (1387); on account of his qualities of mind and heart he was soon elected prior there (1391). In 1395 he became “prior superior” of the new “capitulum” of Windesheim, which comprised four houses. Under his leadership the Congregation of Windesheim flourished; it numbered no fewer than twenty-four male and four female houses when V. died. He codified its Constitutions and defended its rights, among other places at the Council of Constance (1419), together with Henry of Ahaus (q.v.), against Matthew Grabow, O.P. At the convent of Windesheim he imparted a fervent rhythm, especially in the work of copying manuscripts.
V. left behind: Sermo... de patribus primitivis and Testamentum. The Epistola de vita et passione D.N.J.C. et aliis devotis exercitiis, whose method he followed in his life of prayer, cannot be attributed to him with any certainty.