Jean Baptiste Abbeloos

Jean Baptiste Abbeloos was an orientalist, born 15 January, 1836, at Goyck, Belgium; died 25 February, 1906.

He was educated in the seminary of Mechelen, 1849-60. After his ordination to the priesthood, 22 September, 1860, he studied at Leuven and Rome, devoting himself especially to Syriac language and literature. He received the degree of Doctor of Theology from the University of Leuven, 15 July 1867, spent the following winter in London.

On his return to Belgium, he was appointed Professor of Holy Scripture in the seminary of Mechelen. Failing health obliged him to abandon the work of teaching, and he became, in 1876, pastor at Duffel. He was appointed in 1883 vicar-general under Cardinal Dechamps and held that position until 10 February 1887, when he was appointed Rector of the University of Leuven.

During his administration the University grew rapidly in equipment and organization. Abbeloos, although in the midst of his official duties, was always the scholar and the man of high ideals, whose word and example stimulated younger men to earnest work. Modest and unassuming, he realized nonetheless the significance of his position as rector of a great Catholic university, and he exerted his influence in behalf of Church and country so effectually that his retirement in 1900 occasioned regret both in the University and in the whole kingdom. His published work are: De vitâ et scriptis S. Jacobi Sarugensis (Leuven, 1867); Gregorii Barhebraei Chronicon Ecclesiasticum (Paris and Leuven, 1872-77); aacta Santi Maris (Brussels and Leipzig, 1885); Acta Mar Kardaghi Martyris (Brussels, 1900).