After receiving his early education at Dorsten and Recklinghause, he studied philosophy and theology at Münster (184307), and upon his ordination to the priesthood, 29 May 1847, continued his studies for two years at the University of Bonn and University of Tübingen.
He then became director of Count von Galen"s institute at Münster, was privat-docent in church history, moral theology, and history of dogmatics at the University of Münster (1853-1859), and assistant professor-in-ordinary of moral theology, history of dogmatics, and symbolism. At the same time he lectured on dogmatic theology along with the aged Anton Berlage, whom he succeeded as professor of dogmatic theology in 1881. Pope Leo XIII honoured him with the title of domestic prelate in 1890.
