John of Ruysbroeck
Brabantian mystic and writer (1293–1381)
Feast: 2 December (not on the universal Roman calendar; kept in the Roman Martyrology or local calendars)
Who they were
John of Ruysbroeck, the foremost Flemish mystic, left home at eleven to be taught by his uncle, a saintly canon of St Gudule's in Brussels. Ordained in 1317, he lived with his uncle in great austerity and retirement for twenty-six years.
In 1343 the three friends withdrew to the hermitage of Groenendael in the forest of Soignes, which became the motherhouse of a congregation; his writings shaped the devotional movement of Gerard Groote. He died at Groenendael on 2 December 1381 and was honoured as a saint.
The miracles
The Catholic Encyclopedia mentions his beatification but gives no date.
Why that counted as sanctity
A great mystic who taught the way of union with God.
Connected on this site
- Hadewijch Saint“Hadewijch was one of the most important direct influences on John of Ruysbroeck.” — Wikipedia
- Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), via New Advent - Blessed John of Ruysbroeck
- Wikidata Q920312 — dates, feast day and identifiers (CC0)
- English Wikipedia — John of Ruusbroec (CC BY-SA)
Checked against the sources listed on 21 September 2026. Corrections welcome.