Honoratus a Sancta Maria


Honoratus a Sancta Maria was a French Discalced Carmelite, known as a prolific controversialist. His secular name was Blaise Vauxelles, and he was known also by the French version of his name in religion, Honoré de Sainte-Marie.

Life

He was born at Limoges, 4 July 1651. Blaise Vauxelles took his vows as Honaratus at Toulouse, 8 March 1671. On completing his course of studies he decided on the missionary life, and was accordingly sent to Malta to prepare for the East. But the superiors detained him there as a sub-prior, and at the expiration of his term of office he returned to France without having been to the missions. He successively filled the posts of professor of philosophy and theology, prior, provincial, and visitor general. He died at Lille, 1729.

Works

He dealt with the burning religious questions of his time: Quietism, Jansenism, Gallicanism; but also with Cartesianism in philosophy, and rationalism in the relationship of scripture and history. during his life he was accused of not always applying the rules of criticism he himself had established.
His works may be divided into various classes.