Portrait of Luis de la Puente. Anonymous print, 18th century.
Luis de la Puente (also D'Aponte, de Ponte, Dupont)[1] (11 November 1554 – 16 February 1624) was a Spanish Jesuit theologian and ascetic writer. A few years after his death, the Sacred Congregation of Rites admitted the cause of his beatification and canonization.
Life
Puente was born in Valladolid. Having entered the Society of Jesus, he studied under Francisco Suarez, and professed philosophy at Salamanca. He was forced by bad health to retire from duties, and took up writing. Ordained priest in 1580, he became the spiritual director of Marina de Escobar, in which office he continued till his death. In 1599 he devoted himself to the care of the plague-stricken in Villagarcia. He died in Valladolid.[1]
Theology
Though not reckoned among Spanish classics, his works are so replete with practical spirituality that they claim for him a place among the most eminent masters of asceticism.[1] "[H]e was the architect of a practical theology of spiritual guidance that incorporated different strains of Augustinianism and Thomism with Dionysian mystical theology."[2]
Veneration
The cause for de la Puente was formally opened on 4 October 1667, granting him the title of Servant of God. He was declared Venerable by Pope Clement XIII on 16 July 1759.[3]
