Melchior, Freiherr von Diepenbrock (6 January 1798 at Bocholt in Westphalia – 20 January 1853 at the castle of Johannesberg in Jauernig) was a German Catholic Prince-Bishop of Breslau and Cardinal.

His Eminence, Freiherr

Melchior von Diepenbrock
Prince-Bishop of Breslau
DioceseBreslau
SeeBreslau
Appointed21 April 1845
Installed8 June 1845
Term ended20 January 1853
PredecessorJoseph Knauer
SuccessorHeinrich Ernst Karl Förster
Orders
Ordination27 December 1823
Consecration8 June 1845
by Friedrich Johann Joseph Cölestin zu Cardinal von Schwarzenberg
Created cardinal30 September 1850
by Pope Pius IX
Personal details
Born(1798-01-06)6 January 1798
Died20 January 1853(1853-01-20) (aged 55)
Castle of Johannesberg
DenominationRoman Catholic
Coat of armsMelchior von Diepenbrock's coat of arms
Melchior von Diepenbrock.

Life

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He attended the military academy at Bonn and took part in the campaign against France in 1815 as an officer of the militia. Upon his return he was much attracted by the personality of Johann Michael Sailer, a friend of the family, at that time professor at the University of Landshut in Bavaria, and studied public finance at that institution. When Sailer was made Bishop of Ratisbon, Diepenbrock followed him there, took up the study of theology, and was ordained priest 27 December 1823.

In 1835 he was made dean of the cathedral and vicar-general by the successor of Bishop Sailer. His knowledge of modern languages and his administrative ability, together with his understanding of the interior life and his ascetical character, paved the way for his elevation to the episcopal See of Breslau, to which he was elected on 15 January 1845. He at first declined the honor, but finally accepted out of obedience to the mandate of Pope Gregory XVI.

From the beginning of his reign he was called to face difficult problems and momentous political events. There was famine in Upper Silesia. The Revolution of 1848 showed him one of the most loyal supporters of government, law, and order. The pastoral letter which he issued on this occasion was, by order of the king, read in all the Protestant churches of the realm. He devoted his energies to the training of the clergy, opened a preparatory seminary, and improved the conditions of the higher seminary. He was a watchful guardian of ecclesiastical discipline and, when necessary, employed severe measures to enforce it. He reintroduced retreats for the priests and missions for the people.

In 1849 he was appointed Apostolic delegate for the Prussian army. He was created cardinal in the consistory of 20 September 1850, and received the purple 4 November. This event gave occasion to one of the most magnificent public demonstrations ever witnessed in Germany. It was soon followed by the cardinal's death from disease.

His will bequeathed his estate to his diocese. In personal appearance he was of dignified presence, but pleasant and affable to all.

Works

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He was a noted preacher and poet. His principal publications are: "Spiritual Bouquet, Gathered in Spanish and German Gardens of Poesy" (Sulzbach, 1826); "Life and Writings of Heinrich Suso" (Ratisbon, 1829); "Sermons" (Ratisbon, 1841); "Pastoral Letters" (Munster, 1853); "Personal Letters" (Frankfort, 1860).

German composer Georgina Schubert (1840-1878) used his text for her lieder “Wiegenlied.”[1]

References

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  1. ^ "Georgine Schubert Song Texts | LiederNet". www.lieder.net. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  • Chowanetz, Life of Cardinal von Diepenbrock (Osnabruck, 1853)
  • Forster, Life of Cardinal von Diepenbrock (Ratisbon, 1859)
  • Cardinal von Diepenbrock (Bonn, 1878)
  • Karker in Kirchenlexikon
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  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainHerbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Melchior, Baron (Freiherr) von Diepenbrock". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.

Catholic Church titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Joseph Knauer
Prince-Bishop of Breslau
1845–1853
Succeeded by