Antoine Augustin Calmet

Who was Antoine Augustin Calmet?

Antoine Augustin Calmet, O.S.B., a French Benedictine monk, was born at Ménil-la-Horgne, then in the Duchy of Bar, part of the Holy Roman Empire.

Calmet was a pious monk as well as a learned man, and one of the most distinguished members of the Congregation of St. Vanne. In recognition of these qualities he was elected prior of Lay-Saint-Christophe in 1715, Abbot of St-Léopold at Nancy in 1718, and of Senones Abbey in 1729. He was twice entrusted with the office of Abbot General of the congregation. Pope Benedict XIII wished to confer episcopal dignity upon him, but his humility could not be brought to accept the honour.

Calmet was greatly admired by the philosopher Voltaire, who visited the abbey on several occasions.

He died at Senones Abbey, in the Vosges, near Saint-Dié, on 25 October 1757.