Jean Nicolaï


Jean Nicolaï was a French Dominican theologian and controversialist.

Life

Entering the order at the age of twelve, he made his religious profession in 1612, and studied philosophy and theology in the convent of St. James at Paris. He obtained the doctorate in theology at the Sorbonne, and taught in various houses of the order. Besides Latin and Greek he was conversant with Italian, Spanish, and Hebrew.
He was a member of the commission appointed to examine the works and teachings of the Jansenists and to prevent the further dissemination of their doctrine in the Sorbonne. In the disputes on grace between the Thomists and Molinists, which the teaching of Jansenius revived, he adhered strictly to the Thomistic doctrine.
He was esteemed at the royal court and received a pension of 600 francs. He was buried in the chapel of the convent of St. James in Paris, and a marble stone beside the grave bears a long inscription recounting his virtues, his learning, and his services to his country.

Works

His numerous works fall into three classes: new editions of older theologians which he supplied with commentaries and explanatory notes; his own theological works; his poetical and political writings. In the first class are
His important theological works are:
Against Launoy, the champion of the "Gallican Liberties", he wrote:
The purpose of his poetical and political writings seems to have been to extol the dignity and glory of France and her kings. He delivered in Rome in 1628 a panegyric in honour of the victory of Louis XIII at La Rochelle and in 1661 composed a poem in honour of the son of Louis XIV.