Joannes Gijsen

Joannes Baptist Matthijs Gijsen (October 7, 1932 – June 24, 2013) was a Dutch bishop of the Roman Catholic Church. After being Bishop (emeritus) of Roermond, Limburg, the Netherlands, he became Bishop (emeritus) of the Diocese of Reykjavík (Iceland). His episcopal motto was Parate viam Domini (Prepare the way of the Lord).

Early life and priesthood Gijsen was born in Oeffelt. He would be ordained a priest on April 6, 1957. He obtained a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Church History, focusing his thesis on Joannes Augustinus Paredis. During the National Pastoral Council in Noordwijkerhout from 1966 until 1970, Gijsen was one of the opponents to the direction the council was taking. The council was choosing for a more liberal interpretation on the documents promulgated by the Second Vatican Council, in particular the interpretation of Lumen Gentium. This was in contradiction to the view held by the pope. Many a pain which was broadcast in the media. Among his soon-to-be colleagues, he was an unknown factor. Cardinal Alfrink even went to Rome to contest the appointment, but instead was told he had to co-consecrate Gijsen. Bishop Gijsen was awarded the White Falcon decoration by the Icelandic government. He was also an ecclesiastical Knight Grand Cross of the Sacred Constantinian Order of Saint George.

Death Gijsen died in Sittard on 24 June 2013, aged 80. He died two months after another Dutch bishop, Muskens.

In 2014 two complaints against Gijsen for sexual abuse dating from the period 1958–1961 were deemed valid by the complaints commission of the Catholic Church. The declaration that complaints could be valid was unprecedented against a Dutch bishop. Gijsen's successor in the diocese of Roermond, Frans Wiertz, apologized for Gijsen's behaviour.