Education
After completing his course of humanities at Mons, he studied philosophy at the Catholic University of Leuven and theology at University of Douai, in a seminary founded by the bishop of Cambrai in connection with the faculty of theology.
After completing his course of humanities at Mons, he studied philosophy at the Catholic University of Leuven and theology at University of Douai, in a seminary founded by the bishop of Cambrai in connection with the faculty of theology.
While studying theology he taught philosophy at the royal college. On 9 November 1610, he was made doctor of theology with the highest honours. The faculty of theology wished to retain this promising scholar, but there was no chair vacant.
A professor, Barthélemy Pierre de Lintra, resigned his position in favour of Sylvius, but, upon the death of Estius (20 September 1613), of the University of Douai, Sylvius succeeded him and later was called to direct the episcopal seminary in which he had been a student.
He was appointed (1 February 1618) canon of the collegiate Church of Saint Amat, and finally dean (28 January 1622), and to this title was added that of vice-chancellor of the university. Absorbed by study and his duties, his life was largely undisturbed for thirty years until his death.
He was buried in the choir of the Church of Saint Amat, and an epitaph engraved on his tomb recalled, with his titles and qualities, his attachment to Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas as a faithful disciple of one and a lucid interpreter of the other, also his liberality towards the poor and religious, whom he made his heirs.