Richardot, Francois

Richardot, Francois, a French prelate, was born in 1507 at Morey-Ville-Eglise, Franche-Comte. While very young he joined the Order of Augustines at Champlitte, and was sent in 1529 to Tournay to teach theology. He afterwards taught in Paris. During his visit to Italy, which occurred a little later, he obtained from the pope a release from the vows of his order, with permission to wear the secular dress. He was made canon of Besancon, and in this capacity rendered such efficient service to his bishop that he was made suffragan, with the title of bishop of Nicopolis. On Nov. 11, 1561, he was installed bishop of Arras, but had scarcely taken possession of the see when he obtained from Philip II the creation of the University of Douai. He founded this institution in 1562, and taught there till his death. He was a member of the Council of Trent in 1563, assisted at the provincial Council of Cambrai in 1565. and held several synods. At the taking of Malines by the duke of Alba he was made prisoner, but regained his liberty a month after. He died at Arras July 26, 1574. Of his writings we have, Ordonnances Synodales (Antwerp, 1588, 4to): — Trait de Controverse, Sermons, translated into Latin by Francois (Schott, 1608, 8vo): — L'Institution des Pasteurs (Arras, 1564. 8vo): — Oraisons Funebres, of Isabella of France, wife of Philip II. His works are all remarkable for great erudition. See Stapleton, Oraison Funebre de Richardot, in his Oeuvres (1620, 4 vols. fol.;); Valere Andre, Bibl. Belgica; Gazet, Hist. Eccles. des Pays-Bas; Gallia Christiana, vol. 3; Dom Berthod, Vie MSS. de Fr. Richardot, in the Memoires de la Société Royale d'Arras, p. 170.