Background
Benkert was born at Nordheim, near the mountain district of Rhön, Germany.
Benkert was born at Nordheim, near the mountain district of Rhön, Germany.
After finishing his studies at the gymnasium in Münnerstadt he studied theology at Würzburg and was ordained priest in 1816.
He was first a curate at Gaurettersheim and in 1821, was made vice-principal of the theological seminary at Würzburg. While holding these positions Benkert continued his studies. In 1823 he received a doctorate, having offered the dissertation: "De Duplici Missâ Catechumenorum et Fidelium".
From 1823 to 1838 he had the position of principal and in 1838 he was made a cathedral canon and cathedral dean
A self-righteous campaigner, he made many enemies, especially among the older clergy. He therefore severed his connection with his periodicals in 1840, and devoted himself to the study of the history of his native district.
He died at Coburg.
He opposed the contemporary Josephinism, and sought to reawaken in the younger clergy an interest in the old theological schools.