In 1888, German immigrant Monsignor Joseph Jessing,
supported by the generosity of benefactors and driven
by his love for the Church, welcomed the first group
of 23 seminarians to the College Josephinum. Prominent
milestones fill the following chapters of this story –
pontifical status, a new campus, expansion of the
College, and above all, priestly ordinations –
attributed to the perseverance of dedicated priests
and laity who have strived, with Jessing’s
characteristic zeal and in cooperation with the grace
of God, to form priests after the heart of Jesus
Christ.
A common element is woven throughout this story – the
unfailing allegiance of benefactors who, from the
start, have been vital to the very existence of the
Josephinum. The countless alumni and friends who have
supported the seminary throughout its history are true
co-authors of this story. Their commitment has enabled
the Josephinum to realize its mission for the past 125
years and to form more than 1600 priests for the
Catholic Church – a number that will increase in years
to come.
The year 1888 marked the beginning of a story that
must continue. Our future generations need future
priests. Will you continue your allegiance to the
Josephinum by committing to priestly formation? Will
you invest in the next chapter of this remarkable
story?
