Francis Sylvius

Francis Sylvius (1581, in Braine-le-Comte, Hainault, now in Belgium – 22 February 1649, at Douai) was a Flemish Roman Catholic theologian.

He was appointed (1 February 1618) canon of the collegiate Church of St. Amat, and finally dean (28 January 1622), and to this title was added that of vice-chancellor of the university.

When in 1648 the theologians of Leuven sought to win the University of Douai over to Jansenism, Sylvius opposed them vigorously; but throughout the controversy he preserved the moderation of his character.

He was buried in the choir of the Church of St. Amat, and an epitaph engraved on his tomb recalled, with his titles and qualities, his attachment to Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas as a faithful disciple of one and a lucid interpreter of the other, also his liberality towards the poor and religious, whom he made his heirs.

At the commencement of his works, as at the beginning of his lectures, he professed his intention to remain submissive to the authority of the Roman Catholic Church.