Mathias Hovius

Mathias Hovius (1542–1620), born Matthijs Van Hove, was the third Archbishop of Mechelen from 1596 to 1620. As Archbishop, Hovius presided over implementing the Catholic Reformation in the Spanish Netherlands.

Early career Hovius was born in Mechelen in 1542; his father was a fuller. Hovius attended the Standonck College in Mechelen, and later studied theology and philosophy at Leuven University, and was ordained priest in 1566, the year iconoclasm broke out in the Netherlands. While pastor at Saints Peter and Paul's Church in Mechelen, Hovius witnessed the Spanish Fury at Mechelen in 1572, and the English Fury at Mechelen in 1580, both during the Eighty Years' War.

Vicar-General Hovius was appointed vicar-general of the archdiocese of Mechelen upon the death of Archbishop Joannes Hauchin in 1589.

In 1607, Hovius convened a provincial council in Mechelen to implement the decrees of the Council of Trent in the archdiocese. After an official enquiry, in 1604, Hovius approved the cult of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel, In 1606, the newly constructed shrine received a papal indulgence. He also promoted the veneration of the Martyrs of Gorkum. He was supported in his efforts by Albert and Isabella of Austria, Governors-General of the Spanish Netherlands.

Archbishop Hovius died on 30 May 1620 during a canonical visitation to Affligem Abbey.