VOS, JOHANNES. - Ascetical theologian, b. at Heusden (Holland) in 1363, d. at Windesheim in 1426. He studied at the chapter school of Deventer, where he became a friend of F. Radewijns, who recommended him to Gerardo Groote because of his skill as a copyist.
He entered the Brethren of the Common Life at Deventer under the direction of Radewijns, Windesheim (v.) as soon as the Congregation was founded there (1387); because of his intellectual and moral qualities he was soon elected prior (1391). In 1395 he became « prior superior » of the new « capitulum » of Windesheim, which comprised 4 houses. Under his government the Congregation of Windesheim enjoyed vigorous life; it numbered no fewer than 24 male and 4 female houses when V. died. He codified its Constitutiones; he defended its rights, among other occasions at the Council of Constance (1419), Ahaus (v.), against Matteo Grabow O. P. He gave the convent of Windesheim a fervent rhythm of life, especially in the work of copying.
V. left: Sermo... de patribus primitivis e Testamentum. The Epistola de vita et passione D.N.J.C. et aliis devotis exercitiis, whose method V. prayer, cannot be attributed to him on sound grounds.