Balme (BALMA), HENRY (also called HUGH) a Franciscan theologian, born at Geneva, date uncertain; d. February 23, 1439. He entered the Order of Friars Minor in the province of Burgundy. He was a man of exceptional worth according to the testimony of St. Colette, whose confessor he was. Possessing an intimate knowledge of his penitent’s life, he wrote a brief account of her marvellous gifts. The saint, however, on hearing of its existence, caused it to be destroyed. Among his other writings is one on “Theologia Mystica” which was attributed to St. Bonaventure and is to be found in many editions of the latter’s works, but the editors of the latest edition (Quaracchi, 1898, Vol. VIII, p. cxi), following Sbaralea, have restored it to its rightful owner.
ANDREW EGAN