Joseph Ernst

This article deals with the Bishop of Hildesheim Joseph Ernst. For the theology professor, see Joseph Ernst (theologian) . For the politician and businessman see Josef Ernst .

Joseph Ernst

Joseph Ernst (born November 8, 1863 in Groß Algermissen , † May 5, 1928 in Hildesheim ) was a German Catholic clergyman and from 1915 to 1928 Bishop of Hildesheim .

Life

Career

After attending the Josephinum grammar school in Hildesheim (1876–1882), Joseph Ernst studied theology in Würzburg and went through practical and ascetic training in the seminary in Dillingen on the Danube . On August 2, 1886, he was ordained a priest. He then returned to his home diocese and became a chaplain at St. Ludwig in Celle . Here he gave the impetus to found a Catholic workers' association . In the years that followed, social issues remained a focus of his interest. From 1889 to 1891 he continued his academic studies in Rome and was awarded a Dr. phil. PhD , 1892 in Würzburg as Dr. theol. In 1891 he was appointed lecturer by Bishop Sommerwerck and in 1896 professor at the Hildesheim seminary , and in 1901 he was also cathedral preacher . When a Catholic workers' association was founded in Hildesheim in 1896, Sommerwerck appointed Ernst as President , and soon afterwards also as Diocesan President .

In 1906 Adolf Bertram became Bishop of Hildesheim. One of his first decisions was to change the leadership of the seminary. To the rain he appointed Joseph Ernst, whom he held in high esteem as a scientist and organizer as well as a pastor and preacher.

In 1914 Bertram became Prince-Bishop of Breslau . On February 10, 1915 , the cathedral chapter elected Joseph Ernst as his successor in Hildesheim . The confirmation by Pope Benedict XV. took place on May 26th, the episcopal ordination by Adolf Bertram on September 26th, 1915.

Episcopal work

In the thirteen years of his episcopal activity, Joseph Ernst had little room for maneuver. The First World War determined everyday life and absorbed all strength. The post-war years brought shortages and inflation , but also a profound change in awareness. Bishop Ernst viewed the increasing alienation, especially of the urban masses, from church life with concern. His central concerns remained the training of priests and securing the livelihood of the poorer sections of the population. He pursued the first goal by founding the Godehardwerk , the second by strengthening and bundling the charitable activities in the newly created Diocesan Caritas Association .

literature

• Thomas Scharf-Wrede: The Diocese of Hildesheim 1866-1914. Hanover 1995.

Web links

Commons : Joseph Ernst  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

• Literature by and about Joseph Ernst in the catalog of the German National Library
• Entry Joseph Ernst on catholic-hierarchy.org (English)

predecessor	Office	successor
Adolf Bertram	Bishop of Hildesheim 1915 - 1928	Nicholas cash