Henry Suso was a fourteenth-century German Dominican friar and a highly influential mystic. Born into the noble Berg family in Constance, he later adopted his mother's surname, Sus, to demonstrate humility. He entered the Dominican Order at age thirteen and became a significant theologian and poet, writing extensively in both Latin and Middle High German. Suso is particularly noted for his spiritual writings and for defending the theological legacy of Meister Eckhart during a period of intense scrutiny within the Church.
Life and works
After a spiritual conversion in his youth, Suso dedicated himself to the service of Eternal Wisdom. He studied in Cologne and Strasbourg, eventually serving as a lector in Constance. His career faced challenges when his defense of Eckhart's teachings led to accusations of heresy, though he was never personally condemned. In his later years, he lived in Ulm, where he compiled his various writings, including the Exemplar, into a single collection.
Veneration
The Catholic Church beatified Suso in 1831. He is remembered for his profound mystical literature and his devotion to the divine. His feast days are observed on January 23 and January 25. He is celebrated as a significant figure in the history of German mysticism, particularly through his prolific output of hymns, letters, and theological treatises.