LESLIE, William SJ, Rector of Scots College in Douai, France, Reverend Mr
Another name for William was LESLEY, William Rector of the Scotch College at Doway, Jesuite, Mr.1
Research Notes:
SCOTS COLLEGE DOUAI
"The Scots' College has an unfortunate notoriety in consequence of the long dispute between the Jesuits and the secular clergy which centred round it in later times. It was established in 1594, not as a new foundation, but as the continuation of a secular college at Pont- à-Mousson in Lorraine, which, owing to the unhealthfulness of the site, had to seek a new home. In 1506, however, it moved again, and it was not till after several further migrations that it settled finally at Douai in 1612. The college was devoid of resources, and it was due to the zealous efforts of Father Parsons in Rome and Madrid, and of Father Creighton in France and Flanders, that numerous benefactions were given, and it was placed on a permanent footing. For this reason, the Jesuits afterwards claimed the property as their own, although it was admitted that in its early years secular clergy had been educated there. Appeals and counter-appeals were made, but the question was still unsettled when the Jesuits were expelled from France in 1764. The French Government, however, recognized the claims of the Scotch secular clergy and allowed them to continue the work of the college under a rector chosen from their own body. "
for more see Catholic Encyclopaedia-Douai
Note: this is not the same person as William Aloysius Leslie who was rector of the Scots College, Rome, in the 17th century. 2
Noted events in his life were:
1. Entered: Scots College, 1608, In Rome.
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