Laevinus Torrentius


Laevinus Torrentius, born Lieven van der Beke, was the second bishop of Antwerp.

Career

He studied philosophy and law at Leuven University and then at the University of Bologna. For five years he lived in Rome. He was appointed Canon of Liege cathedral, and became there vicar general.
He was appointed bishop of Antwerp in 1576 but could not be installed in his see until 1587. He died in 1595, after being nominated to the see of Mechelen but before being appointed.
After his death he left his precious library, estimated 30.000 gulden to the Jesuits of Louvain. He was buried inside the cathedral.