Cornelius Jansen

Studying theology at the University of Leuven, Jansenius became rector of the College of Saint Pulcheria and professor of sacred scripture. Seeking to reform Catholic theology against Jesuit Molinism, he spent twenty years re-reading and synthesizing the complete works of Saint Augustine.

Appointed Bishop of Ypres in 1635, he died of the plague in 1638 while ministering to infected citizens. His magnum opus Augustinus, published in Leuven in 1640, asserted the absolute necessity of efficacious grace and original sin, profoundly inspiring Blaise Pascal and the abbey of Port-Royal.