Martin of Treves

Martin Of Treves a Capuchin monk, was born about 1630, in the archbishopric of Treves. He took the cowl at an early age, and a little later became a lector of theology; but in consequence of a pestilence, whose ravages broke up his school in 1666, he devoted himself to literature. A catechism issued by him was received with great favor by the public, and this success led to the publication of a great number of works for instruction and edification; but. zealous for the glory of God and the honor of his Church, he did not confine his efforts to this field. He was indefatigable in preaching, in catechizing, and in missionary work, and during the course of his labors traversed nearly the whole of the archbishoprics of Mayence and Treves. His benevolent spirit found expression in the readiness with which he ministered to the diversified wants of the people, among whom the instruction of the unlearned and of children claimed his especial notice. He is even credited with removing thorns and stones from the highways, and with placing stepping-stones in streams for the convenience of travelers. Withal, he was a thorough ascetic, eating neither flesh nor fish, and traveling without either hat or sandals in the most inclement weather; and he attended mass as often as possible each day for more than twenty years. As a teacher, he was wont to lay especial stress on the adoration of the mass and the worship of the Virgin, which doctrines he was often compelled to defend against opponents. He organized a number of brotherhoods in the provinces of the Rhine, and rebuilt many churches that had been destroyed in the Thirty-years' War. He died, after a brief illness, Sept. 10, 1712. His works, after being disregarded for a time, are again offered to the public; they mostly consist of contributions to practical religion. The most important are Christian Doctrine (Cologne, 1666): — History of the Church (1693): — Exposition of the Mass (1698): — Legends of Saints (1705): — An Essay on the Divine Perfections (Mayence, 1707): Life of Christ (Mayence and Augsburg, 1708). — Wetzer u. Welte (R. C.), Kirchen-Lexikonz, 12:771 sq.