John Dormer (Jesuit)

John Dormer (1635-1700) was an English Jesuit priest and spiritual writer. Born in Oxfordshire, he entered the Society of Jesus and served in various missions throughout England during a period of persecution of Catholics. Much of his work was conducted in secret, offering spiritual guidance and administering sacraments to clandestine Catholic communities. Dormer is primarily known for his ascetical writings, which emphasized prayer, self-denial, and devotion to the will of God. While relatively little biographical information is available about his life, his published works were widely circulated and influential amongst English Catholics seeking spiritual direction amidst challenging circumstances. He died in Watten, Flanders.