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Henschenius

Jesuit historian
Also known as: Godefroid Henskens

Quick Summary

Henschenius, also known as Godefroid Henskens, was a Belgian Jesuit historian who played a significant role in the continuation and expansion of the Acta Sanctorum. This vast collection is dedicated to the biographies and legends of Christian saints.1

Originally conceived by Heribert Rosweyde, the project was continued after his death by Jean Bolland, with Henschenius as a key associate. Together, they modified the original plan, organizing saints by their death dates and incorporating doubtful cases with critical notes. Henschenius, along with Papebroch, continued the work after Bolland's passing, contributing to the development of the Bollandists, a group of Jesuits still editing the Acta Sanctorum. The work is notable for its application of historical criticism to hagiography.1

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