Theologian, born at Braine-le-Comte, Hainault, Belgium, 1581;
died at Douai, 22 February, 1649. He was remarkable from an
early age for his love of study and his piety. After completing
his humanities at Mons, he studied philosophy at Louvain and
theology at Douai, in a seminary founded by the bishops of the
Province of Cambrai in connection with the faculty of theology.
While studying theology he taught philosophy at the royal
college. On 9 November, 1610, he was made doctor of theology
with the highest honours. The faculty of theology wished to
retain this promising scholar, but there was no chair vacant. An
eminent professor, Barthélemy Pierre de Lintra, resigned his
position in favour of Sylvius, but, upon the death of Estius (20
September, 1613), the great light of the University of Douai,
Sylvius succeeded him and later was called to direct the
episcopal seminary in which he had been a student. He was
appointed (1 February, 1618) canon of the collegiate Church of
St. Amat, and finally dean (28 January,