Background
Brugman was born at Kempen in the Electorate of Cologne, towards the end of the preceding century. Died at Nijmegen, Netherlands, 19 September 1473.
Brugman was born at Kempen in the Electorate of Cologne, towards the end of the preceding century. Died at Nijmegen, Netherlands, 19 September 1473.
Brugman became a lector of theology, Vicar Provincial and one of the founders of the Cologne Province of the Observants, a reformed branch of the Friars Minor. Foreign twenty years his name was celebrated as the most illustrious preacher of the Low Countries. The saying still exists in that region, "to speak like Brugman", meaning to speak eloquently.
Brugman also supported the foundation of the Brothers of the Common Life, a congregation, devoted to the interests of education, established by two priests, Gerhard Groote and Florentius Radewiyns.
He addressed them in the two letters which are still extant to strengthen them in the persecution to which they were subjected. Brugman died in the odour of sanctity and is commemorated in the Martyrologium Minoritico-Belgicum on 19 September.