Josef Fessler
Encyclopedia
Josef Fessler was Roman Catholic
Bishop of Sankt Pölten in Austria
, a secretary of the First Vatican Council
and an authority on patristics
.
near Bregenz
in the Vorarlberg
. His parents were peasants. He early showed great abilities. His classical studies were done at Feldkirch
, his philosophy at Innsbruck
including a year of legal studies, and his theology at Brixen
. He was ordained priest in 1837. After a year as master in a school at Innsbruck, he studied for two more years in Vienna
life, then became professor of ecclesiastical history
and canon law
in the theological school at Brixen, 1841-52. He published at the quest of the Episcopal Conference of Wurzburg, in 1848, a short book Über die Provincial-Concilien und Diöcesan-Synoden (Innsbruck, 1849), and in 1850-1 the well-known Institutiones Patrologiae quas ad frequentiorem utiliorem et faciliorem SS. Patrum lectionem promovendam concinnavit J. Fessler (Innsbruck, 2 Volumes in octavo). This work superseded the unfinished books of Johann Adam Möhler
and Franz Michael Permaneder
and was not surpassed by the subsequent works of Alzog and Joseph Nirschl
. A later edition (Innsbruck, 1890-6) was made by Prof. Jungmann of Louvain.
From 1856 to 1861, Fessler was professor of canon law in the University of Vienna
, after making special studies for six months at Rome. He was consecrated as assistant bishop
to the bishop of Brixen, Dr. Gasser, on 31 March, 1862, and became his vicar-general for the Vorarlberg. On 23 September 1864, he was named by the emperor Bishop of St. Polten, not far from Vienna. When at Rome in 1867, he was named assistant at the papal throne. In 1869 Pope Pius IX proposed Bishop Fessler to the Congregation for the direction of the coming Vatican Council as secretary to the council. The appointment was well received, the only objection being from Cardinal Caterini, who thought the choice of an Austrian might make the other nations jealous. Bishop Fessler was informed of his appointment on 27 March, and as the pope wished him to come with all speed to Rome, he arrived there on 8 July, after hastily dispatching the business of his diocese. He had a pro-secretary and two assistants. It was certainly wise to choose a prelate whose vast and intimate acquaintance with the Church Fathers
and with ecclesiastical history was equalled only by his thorough knowledge of canon law. He seems to have given universal satisfaction by his work as secretary, but the burden was a heavy one, and in spite of his excellent constitution, his untiring labours were thought to have been the cause of his early death.
Before the council he published an opportune work "Das letzte und das nächste allgemeine Konsil" (Freiburg, 1869) and after the council he replied in a masterly brochure to the attack on the council by Dr. Schulte, professor of canon law and German law at Prague
. Dr. Schulte's pamphlet on the power of the Roman popes over princes, countries, peoples and individuals, in the light of their acts since the reign of Gregory VII
, was very similar in character to the Vaticanism pamphlet of Mr. Gladstone, and rested on just the same fundamental misunderstanding of the dogma
of Papal Infallibility
as defined by the Vatican Council. The Prussian Government promptly appointed Dr. Schute to a professorship at Bonn
, while it imprisoned Catholic priests and bishops. Fessler's reply, "Die wahre und die falsche Unfehlbarkeit der Päpste" (Vienna, 1871), was translated into French by Cosquin, editor of "Le Français", and into English by Ambrose St. John
(The True and False Infallibility of the Popes, London, 1875). It is an explanation of the doctrine of Infallibility as taught by the Italian "Ultramontane" theologians, such as Bellarmine
in the sixteenth century, Pietro Ballerini in the eighteenth century and Giovanni Perrone
in the nineteenth century. But it was difficult for those who had been fighting against the definition to realize that the Infallibilists "had wanted no more than this". Bishop Hefele of Rottenburg am Neckar
, who had strongly opposed the definition and afterwards loyally accepted it, said he entirely agreed with the moderate view taken by Bishop Fessler, but doubted whether such views would be accepted as sound in Rome. It was clear, one would have thought, that the secretary of the council was likely to know; and the hesitations of the pious and learned Hefele were removed by the warm Brief of approbation which Pius IX addressed to the author. He died on 25 April, 1872.
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
Bishop of Sankt Pölten in Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
, a secretary of the First Vatican Council
First Vatican Council
The First Vatican Council was convoked by Pope Pius IX on 29 June 1868, after a period of planning and preparation that began on 6 December 1864. This twentieth ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church, held three centuries after the Council of Trent, opened on 8 December 1869 and adjourned...
and an authority on patristics
Patristics
Patristics or Patrology is the study of Early Christian writers, known as the Church Fathers. The names derive from the Latin pater . The period is generally considered to run from the end of New Testament times or end of the Apostolic Age Patristics or Patrology is the study of Early Christian...
.
Biography and works
Josef Fessler was born on 2 December 1813, at LochauLochau
Lochau is a municipality in the federal state of Vorarlberg, Austria. It is located on Lake Constance, in the Bregenz district near the border to Germany....
near Bregenz
Bregenz
-Culture:The annual summer music festival Bregenzer Festspiele is a world-famous festival which takes place on and around a stage on Lake Constance, where a different opera is performed every second year.-Sport:* A1 Bregenz HB is a handball team....
in the Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg is the westernmost federal-state of Austria. Although it is the second smallest in terms of area and population , it borders three countries: Germany , Switzerland and Liechtenstein...
. His parents were peasants. He early showed great abilities. His classical studies were done at Feldkirch
Feldkirch, Vorarlberg
- Schools :* Bundesgymnasium und Bundesrealgymnasium Feldkirch * Bundeshandelsakademie und Bundeshandelsschule Feldkirch* Bundesoberstufenrealgymnasium und Bundesrealgymnasium Schillerstrasse...
, his philosophy at Innsbruck
Innsbruck
- Main sights :- Buildings :*Golden Roof*Kaiserliche Hofburg *Hofkirche with the cenotaph of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor*Altes Landhaus...
including a year of legal studies, and his theology at Brixen
Brixen
Brixen is the name of two cities in the Alps:*Brixen, South Tyrol, Italy*Brixen im Thale, Tyrol, AustriaBrixen may also refer to:*Bishopric of Brixen, the former north-Italian state....
. He was ordained priest in 1837. After a year as master in a school at Innsbruck, he studied for two more years in Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
life, then became professor of ecclesiastical history
Ecclesiastical History
Ecclesiastical History or ecclesiastical history may refer to:*Ecclesiastical history *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum by Bede*Church History , pioneer work on the Christian Church by Eusebius of Caesarea...
and canon law
Canon law
Canon law is the body of laws & regulations made or adopted by ecclesiastical authority, for the government of the Christian organization and its members. It is the internal ecclesiastical law governing the Catholic Church , the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches, and the Anglican Communion of...
in the theological school at Brixen, 1841-52. He published at the quest of the Episcopal Conference of Wurzburg, in 1848, a short book Über die Provincial-Concilien und Diöcesan-Synoden (Innsbruck, 1849), and in 1850-1 the well-known Institutiones Patrologiae quas ad frequentiorem utiliorem et faciliorem SS. Patrum lectionem promovendam concinnavit J. Fessler (Innsbruck, 2 Volumes in octavo). This work superseded the unfinished books of Johann Adam Möhler
Johann Adam Möhler
Johann Adam Möhler was a German Roman Catholic theologian.He was born at Igersheim in Württemberg, and after studying philosophy and theology in the lyceum at Ellwangen, entered the University of Tübingen in 1817. Ordained to the priesthood in 1819, he was appointed to a curacy...
and Franz Michael Permaneder
Franz Michael Permaneder
Franz Michael Permaneder was a German canon lawyer.He studied theology and jurisprudence at Landshut and in 1818 was ordained to the priesthood at Regensburg...
and was not surpassed by the subsequent works of Alzog and Joseph Nirschl
Joseph Nirschl
Joseph Nirschl was a German Catholic theologian and writer.-Life:...
. A later edition (Innsbruck, 1890-6) was made by Prof. Jungmann of Louvain.
From 1856 to 1861, Fessler was professor of canon law in the University of Vienna
University of Vienna
The University of Vienna is a public university located in Vienna, Austria. It was founded by Duke Rudolph IV in 1365 and is the oldest university in the German-speaking world...
, after making special studies for six months at Rome. He was consecrated as assistant bishop
Assistant Bishop
An assistant bishop in the Anglican Communion is a bishop appointed to assist a diocesan bishop.-Church of England:In the established Church of England, assistant bishops are usually are retired bishops – in which case they are honorary assistant bishops...
to the bishop of Brixen, Dr. Gasser, on 31 March, 1862, and became his vicar-general for the Vorarlberg. On 23 September 1864, he was named by the emperor Bishop of St. Polten, not far from Vienna. When at Rome in 1867, he was named assistant at the papal throne. In 1869 Pope Pius IX proposed Bishop Fessler to the Congregation for the direction of the coming Vatican Council as secretary to the council. The appointment was well received, the only objection being from Cardinal Caterini, who thought the choice of an Austrian might make the other nations jealous. Bishop Fessler was informed of his appointment on 27 March, and as the pope wished him to come with all speed to Rome, he arrived there on 8 July, after hastily dispatching the business of his diocese. He had a pro-secretary and two assistants. It was certainly wise to choose a prelate whose vast and intimate acquaintance with the Church Fathers
Church Fathers
The Church Fathers, Early Church Fathers, Christian Fathers, or Fathers of the Church were early and influential theologians, eminent Christian teachers and great bishops. Their scholarly works were used as a precedent for centuries to come...
and with ecclesiastical history was equalled only by his thorough knowledge of canon law. He seems to have given universal satisfaction by his work as secretary, but the burden was a heavy one, and in spite of his excellent constitution, his untiring labours were thought to have been the cause of his early death.
Before the council he published an opportune work "Das letzte und das nächste allgemeine Konsil" (Freiburg, 1869) and after the council he replied in a masterly brochure to the attack on the council by Dr. Schulte, professor of canon law and German law at Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
. Dr. Schulte's pamphlet on the power of the Roman popes over princes, countries, peoples and individuals, in the light of their acts since the reign of Gregory VII
Pope Gregory VII
Pope St. Gregory VII , born Hildebrand of Sovana , was Pope from April 22, 1073, until his death. One of the great reforming popes, he is perhaps best known for the part he played in the Investiture Controversy, his dispute with Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor affirming the primacy of the papal...
, was very similar in character to the Vaticanism pamphlet of Mr. Gladstone, and rested on just the same fundamental misunderstanding of the dogma
Dogma
Dogma is the established belief or doctrine held by a religion, or a particular group or organization. It is authoritative and not to be disputed, doubted, or diverged from, by the practitioners or believers...
of Papal Infallibility
Papal infallibility
Papal infallibility is a dogma of the Catholic Church which states that, by action of the Holy Spirit, the Pope is preserved from even the possibility of error when in his official capacity he solemnly declares or promulgates to the universal Church a dogmatic teaching on faith or morals...
as defined by the Vatican Council. The Prussian Government promptly appointed Dr. Schute to a professorship at Bonn
Bonn
Bonn is the 19th largest city in Germany. Located in the Cologne/Bonn Region, about 25 kilometres south of Cologne on the river Rhine in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, it was the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990 and the official seat of government of united Germany from 1990 to 1999....
, while it imprisoned Catholic priests and bishops. Fessler's reply, "Die wahre und die falsche Unfehlbarkeit der Päpste" (Vienna, 1871), was translated into French by Cosquin, editor of "Le Français", and into English by Ambrose St. John
Ambrose St. John
The Reverend Father Ambrose St. John was an English Oratorian and convert to Catholicism. He is now best known as the lifetime companion of Dr. John Henry Cardinal Newman.-Early life:...
(The True and False Infallibility of the Popes, London, 1875). It is an explanation of the doctrine of Infallibility as taught by the Italian "Ultramontane" theologians, such as Bellarmine
Bellarmine
Bellarmine can refer to:*Robert Bellarmine , a Cardinal and saint of the Catholic Church*The schools named after him:**Bellarmine University, in Louisville, Kentucky**Bellarmine College Preparatory, in San Jose, California...
in the sixteenth century, Pietro Ballerini in the eighteenth century and Giovanni Perrone
Giovanni Perrone
Giovanni Perrone was an Italian theologian born in Chieri .He studied theology at Turin and at the age of 21 went to Rome, where he joined the Society of Jesus. In 1816 he was sent as professor of theology to Orvieto, and in 1823 was appointed to a similar post in the Collegium Romanum...
in the nineteenth century. But it was difficult for those who had been fighting against the definition to realize that the Infallibilists "had wanted no more than this". Bishop Hefele of Rottenburg am Neckar
Rottenburg am Neckar
Rottenburg am Neckar is a medium-sized town in the administrative district of Tübingen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It rests about 50 km southwest of the provincial capital Stuttgart and about 12 km southwest of the district town Tübingen...
, who had strongly opposed the definition and afterwards loyally accepted it, said he entirely agreed with the moderate view taken by Bishop Fessler, but doubted whether such views would be accepted as sound in Rome. It was clear, one would have thought, that the secretary of the council was likely to know; and the hesitations of the pious and learned Hefele were removed by the warm Brief of approbation which Pius IX addressed to the author. He died on 25 April, 1872.
Sources and references
- Anton Erdinger, Dr. Joseph Fessler, Bischof v. St. Polten, ein Lebensbild (Brixen, 1874)
- Mitterrutzner in Kirchenlexikon
- Theodor GranderathTheodor GranderathTheodor Granderath was a German Jesuit scholar.-Life:...
and Konrad Kirch, Geschichte des Vatiannischen Konzils (Freiburg im Breisgau, 2 volumes, 1903).