LEHODEY, VITAL

Trappist Cistercian ascetico-mystical author; b. Hambye, France, Dec. 17, 1857 (Baptized Alcime Jude);d. Abbey of Bricquebec, Diocese of Coutances, May 6,1948. After ordination to the priesthood on Dec. 18, 1880, Lehodey spent nine years in diocesan ministry before entering the Trappist Cistercian Abbey of Bricquebec, where he took the religious habit and received the name Vital, on Aug. 15, 1890. Appointed prior upon his simple profession on Aug. 20, 1892, he became superior ad nutum, on Nov. 1, 1893; and, thanks to an indult permitting anticipation of his solemn profession, he was elected abbot on July 8, 1895. Reasons of health forced his resignation in 1929.

The fruits of Lehodey's progressive liberation from a somewhat rigoristic pessimism characteristic of his milieu are found in three major works. Les Voies de l'oraison mentale (Paris 1908; The Ways of Mental Prayer, Dublin 1912), notable for its clarity and solid theology,

marks a return to a mystical tradition sadly neglected in the aftermath of the quietist and Jansenist controversies. The Directoire spirituel (Bricquebec 1910; A Spiritual Directory for Religious, New Melleray 1932, Gethsemani Abbey 1946), is a revision of the order's Directoire of 1869, the excessive pessimism of which is tempered by a new insistence on the primacy of charity and contemplation. Le Saint abandon (Paris 1919; Holy Abandonment, Dublin 1934) is universally recognized as a classic on this subject.

Bibliography: "Dom Vital Lehodey, 1857–1948," Collectanea Ordinis Cisterciensium Reformatorum 10 (1948) 155–161. i. vallery-radot, La Mission de Dom Vital Lehodey (Paris 1956), Eng. adaptation by n. kinsella, Flight and Pursuit: The Mission of Dom Vital Lehodey (Dublin 1962).

[c. waddell]