Monsignor Joseph Jessing (1836-1899)

Today marks the death of Monsignor Joseph Jessing, founder of the Pontifical College Josephinun in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1888, the Josephinum is the only pontifical seminary in North America. Born in Germany, he served in the Prussian army before studying for the priesthood in the United States. In 1870 he was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. Soon after his ordination he started an orphanage and a newspaper for German Catholic immigrants. He founded the Josephinun to provide German-speaking priests for German immigrants. In 1896 he was named a Monsignor. In 1899, just before his death, the first class of priests from the Josephinum were ordained.