BECKX, beks, PIERRE JEAN ( 1795-1887). The twenty-second General of the Jesuits. He was born at Sichem, in Belgium, and became a mem ber of the Society of Jesus in 1819, and the head of the order in 1853. Quite early his superiors recognized his rare abilities, and sent him on several delicate missions. When Duke Ferdi nand of Anbalt-KOthen became a convert to the Roman Catholic religion, young Beckx was ap pointed his confessor, and officiated for some years as priest of the new church which was built at KOthen. After the death of the Duke, Beckx continued at the court with the widow, the Duchess Julia, whom, at a later period, be accompanied to Vienna. In 1847 he became pro curator for the Society in Austria. In the fol lowing year the Jesuits were driven from Aus tria, and Father Beekx went to Belgium, where he was nominated rector of the Jesuit College at Louvain. When the Jesuits were reestablished in Austria he zealously supported the projects of the Government, which were highly favorable to the interests of the Church. He lent his aid
to the Primate of Hungary, Cardinal Szcitowsky, who succeeded in obtaining the reinstatement of the Jesuits in that portion of the Empire, and in founding the novitiate at Tyrnau. He was sent as a delegate to the assembly at Rome in 1853 which was to choose a successor to Father P,00than, and was elected General of the order. The prodigious success of the Jesuits since that time, especially in non-Catholic countries, is due in no slight degree to the ability and foresight of Father Beckx. Besides some minor writings and occasional discourses, he published a Month of Mary, which has passed through numerous editions, and has been translated into many languages. He resigned his office in 1884, three years before his death.