Alexander Baker (Jesuit)

Alexander Baker (1582-1638) was an English Jesuit priest and spiritual writer. He was born in Abergavenny, Wales. Converted to Catholicism as a young man, he traveled to the continent and joined the Society of Jesus in 1604 at Louvain.

Baker spent most of his priestly life in England, working in the secret and dangerous mission field to minister to English Catholics who were facing persecution under the penal laws. He faced numerous imprisonments and banishments due to his religious activities.

Baker is best known for his contributions to spiritual literature, particularly his writings on prayer and contemplation. His works emphasized the importance of interior recollection and mental prayer, often drawing upon mystical traditions. He promoted the use of affective prayer and stressed the role of divine grace in the spiritual life. He was influenced by the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila and other Carmelite mystics. His writings were circulated in manuscript form and later published posthumously, gaining a considerable following among both Catholic clergy and laity interested in deepening their spiritual lives. He died in Wales.