Blessed Johann Nepomuk Von Tschiderer

Biography

Blessed Johann Nepomuk Von Tschiderer, also known as Johann Nepomuk von Tschiderer zu Gleifheim and John Nepomuk von Tschiderer, was born on 15 April 1777 in Bolzano, in the diocese of Trent, Italy. He was the son of Joseph Joachim and Caterina de Giovanelli.

Johann received his secondary education from the Franciscans and later moved with his family to Innsbruck, Austria in 1792. There, he pursued his studies in philosophy and theology at the university. Following his passionate calling, he was ordained as a priest on 27 July 1800.

Though not a Benedictine himself, Johann embraced the Benedictine motto of "Prayer and Work" and lived a life devoted to both. Throughout his life, he served as a priest in various Tirolean mountain parishes, spreading the word of God and tending to the needs of the faithful. He also served as a professor at the theological seminary of Trent in Italy and held the position of school dean in Sarentino and Merano.

In 1827, Johann was recalled to Trent and became a member of the Chapter of Saint Vigilius' Cathedral. He also took on the responsibility of Pro-Vicar General of the diocese. In 1832, he was appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of Bressanone for Vorarlberg and, on 20 May of the same year, he became the Bishop of Innsbruck, Austria.

Despite his administrative duties, Johann never allowed them to overshadow his pastoral responsibilities. He dedicated much of his time to preaching, writing, and teaching as a catechist. He was deeply committed to reviving home missions, helping the poor and sick, and providing spiritual guidance through the celebration of Mass, hearing confessions, and administering sacraments such as Confirmation and Holy Orders.

Johann's commitment to his faith extended beyond his pastoral duties. He oversaw the building and restoration of over 60 churches, ensuring that these sacred spaces remained places of worship and spiritual nourishment. He maintained close relationships with priests, supporting their ongoing formation and promoting Christian education among boys and girls in religious life. Additionally, he offered assistance to seminarians and ensured the teachings at the seminary remained orthodox.

He also demonstrated his compassion and dedication to charity. During the cholera epidemics of 1836 and 1855 as well as the war of 1859, Johann actively worked with and provided funding for the care of victims. In 1848, he played a crucial role in preventing a violent outcome during the March Uprising.

Furthermore, Johann worked tirelessly to overcome the obstacles that existed between the Church and State due to contemporary legislation. His diplomatic efforts aimed at bridging this divide and nurturing positive relationships between the two entities.

Late in his life, Johann had planned a pilgrimage to Rome for the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. However, before he could embark on this journey, illness struck, and he passed away on 3 December 1860 in Trent, Italy, due to natural causes.

Johann Nepomuk von Tschiderer was venerated by Pope Paul VI on 4 July 1968, who recognized his exemplary life of holiness. Later, on 29 April 1995, Pope John Paul II beatified him, acknowledging the miracles attributed to his intercession. These miracles included the healing of blindness of a 4-year-old child in 1867 and the 1871 cure of a young priest who was on the verge of death due to tuberculosis.

Blessed Johann Nepomuk Von Tschiderer remains an inspiration for his dedication to his pastoral duties, his commitment to the poor and sick, and his tireless efforts to promote unity and faith in challenging times. His life serves as a testament to the power of prayer, the importance of education, and the enduring love of God.