Macarius Simeomo
Macarius Simeomo or Simeomus, born Jean-Baptiste (1616–1676) was the 44th abbot of St. Michael's Abbey, Antwerp.
Life
Jean-Baptiste Simeomo was born in Antwerp in 1616, to Marc-Aurelio Simeomo and Sara de la Chambre, and was baptised in Antwerp Cathedral on 13 May of that year.[1] His father was an Italian merchant in the city. Jean-Baptiste was educated at the Jesuit college in Antwerp, and on 2 February 1634 was professed at St Michael's Abbey, taking the religious name Macarius. He studied philosophy and theology, spending three years at the Premonstratensian College, Leuven. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1640 and graduated Licentiate of Sacred Theology from Leuven University in 1645.[1]
After the death of Norbert van Couwerven in 1661, Simeomo was elected his successor, but was not enthroned as abbot until 8 April 1663. In 1666 he served as visitor and vicar general of the Premonstratensian Order in Germany and Bohemia. He was also a member of the First Estate of the States of Brabant, and had a house built in Brussels where he and his successors could stay when on business in the city. He provided the Bollandists with documentation, and received the dedication of the last volumes of March (1667) and April (1675).[1]
He died in Antwerp on 12 April 1676.
Writings
Most of Simeomo's writings remains in manuscript. Those published include:
- Theses theologicae de peccatis (Antwerp, 1646-1647)
- Laudatio funebris in exequiis reverendissimi domini D. Ioannis Chrysostomi Vander Sterre (Antwerp, 1652)
- Chorographia Sacra Coenobii S. Michaelis Antverpia (Brussels, 1660)
References
- Paul Bergmans, "Simeomo (Jean-Baptiste, en religion Macaire)", Biographie Nationale de Belgique, vol. 22 (Brussels, 1920), 517-518.
| Catholic Church titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Norbert van Couwerven |
Abbot of St. Michael's Abbey, Antwerp 1661–1676 |
Succeeded by Hermannus vander Poorten |