Joannes van Heymissem


Joannes van Heymissen OCist, was the 36th abbot of Hemiksem Abbey.

Career

Although born in the Netherlands, his father moved to Louvain, where he was educated. He was related to the bishop of Antwerp, Mgr. Gaspard Nemius.
Heymissem completed his studies of philosophy at the University of Douai. In 1646 he entered the abbey of Hemiksem, and took his vows. He became abbot after the death of Judocus Gillis and was elected in 1660, with unanimous votes of the community. During his period as abbot the west front of the abbey, including the tower, were completed. However the abbey church was destroyed by a fire during works on the roof. He died in Burtscheid Abbey and was buried in the church of Hemiksem. He was succeeded by Antonius Spanoghe.