university professor Catholic priest
He received his early education at Saint Gall, then went to the lyceum at Lucerne and the University of Munich. At the university he studied theology, philosophy, and history, and met Joseph Görres. In 1829 he went to Paris to perfect himself in library work.
While there he decided to enter the priesthood and completed his theological studies in the Sulpician seminary of that city.
He was ordained priest in 1831, and was made sub-librarian of Saint Gall, also sub-regent and professor of the ecclesiastical seminary. He was, consequently, deprived of his offices. He went to Rome, at the instance of the English Government, for the purpose of collecting documents in the Roman libraries and archives relating to English history.
After the restoration of peace he devoted himself to parochial work in Saint Gall, was made dean of the cathedral in 1847, professor of philosophy in 1853, and was consecrated Bishop of Saint Gall in 1862.
However, he accepted the decision of the Council and tried to induce Döllinger to do the same. He could not prevent the suppression of his seminary for boys nor hinder the civil prohibition of missions and retreats.
Nevertheless he renewed the religious life of his diocese and called into being an educated clergy.
