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Jean Nicolaï (1594 atMouzay in theDiocese of Verdun, France – 7 May 1673 atParis) was a FrenchDominican theologian and controversialist.
Entering the order at the age of twelve, he made his religious profession in 1612, studied philosophy and theology in theconvent of St. James at Paris. and in 1632 obtained his doctorate in theology at theSorbonne. Nicolaï taught in various houses of the Dominican order, and became theregent of the Paris Dominicans.[1] Besides Latin and Greek he was conversant with Italian, Spanish, and Hebrew.
He was a member of the commission appointed to examine the works and teachings of theJansenists and to prevent the further dissemination of their doctrine in the Sorbonne. In the disputes ongrace between theThomists andMolinists, which the teaching of Jansenius revived, he adhered strictly to the Thomistic doctrine.
He was esteemed at the royal court and received a pension of 600 francs. He was buried in the chapel of the convent of St. James in Paris, and a marble stone beside the grave bears a long inscription recounting his virtues, his learning, and his services to his country.
His numerous works fall into three classes.
Nicolaï edited a number of works by older theologians, adding commentaries and explanatory notes. These included:
Nicolaï also wrote a number of original theological works. These included:
AgainstLaunoy, the champion of the "Gallican Liberties", he wrote:
The purpose of Nicolaï's poetical and political writings seems to have been to extol the dignity and glory of France and her kings. He delivered in Rome in 1628 apanegyric in honour of the victory ofLouis XIII atLa Rochelle and in 1661 composed a poem in honour of the son ofLouis XIV.
The Regent of the Paris Dominicans, Jean Nicolai, had evolved a theology of grace which brought him nearer to Molinism.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Jean Nicolaï".Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. The entry cites: