Jacques de Blaese, born in Bruges around 1540, came from a poor family and was educated at a charity school in Bruges until his abilities brought him to the attention of generous patrons, who provided him with the means for an education in the humanities.
[1] As a youth he joined the Franciscans in Douai, eventually serving as provincial superior of the order in the Low Countries.
[2] He was named bishop of Namur by letters patent of Philip II of Spain dated 11 May 1596.
The nomination was confirmed by Pope Clement VIII in 1597, and Blaseus was consecrated bishop by the papal nuncio, Ottavio Mirto Frangipani, on 23 November.
On 31 December 1598 he delivered a funeral oration for Philip II in the collegiate church of St Gudula (now the cathedral) in Brussels.