Orientalist, born
15 January, 1836, at Goyck, Belgium; died 25 February, 1906. He was
educated in the seminary of Malines, 1849-60. After his ordination
to the priesthood, 22 September, 1860, he studied at Louvain and
Rome, devoting himself especially to Syriac language and literature.
He received the degree of Doctor in Theology from the University of
Louvain, 15 July, 1867, spent the following winter in London. and on
his return to Belgium was appointed Professor of Holy Scripture in
the seminary of Malines. Failing health obliged him to abandon the
work of teaching, and he became, in 1876, pastor at Duffel. He was
appointed in 1883 vicar-general under Cardinal Dechamps and help
that position until 10 February, 1887, when he was appointed Rector
of the University of Louvain. During his administration the
University grew rapidly in equipment and organization. Abbeloos,
although in the midst of his official duties, was always the scholar
and the man of high ideals, whose word and example stimulated
younger men to earnest work. Modest and unassuming, he realized
nonetheless the significance of his position as rector of a great
Catholic university, and he exerted his influence in behalf of
Church and country so effectually that his retirement in 1900
occasioned regret both in the University and in the whole kingdom.
His published works are: De vitâ et scriptis S. Jacobi
Sarugensis (Louvain, 1867); Gregorii Barhebraei Chronicon
Ecclesiasticum (Paris and Louvain, 1872-77); Acta Sancti Maris
(Brussels and Leipzig, 1885); Acta Mar Kardaghi Martyris (Brussels,
1900).
E.A. PACE
