Josef Fessler was born to a peasant family on 2 December 1813, at
Lochau near
Bregenz in the
Vorarlberg. His classical studies were done at
Feldkirch, his philosophy at
Innsbruck including a year of legal studies, and his theology at
Brixen. He was ordained priest in 1837. After a year as master in a school at Innsbruck, he studied for two more years in
Vienna life, then became professor of
ecclesiastical history and
canon law in the theological school at Brixen, 1841-52. From 1856 to 1861, Fessler was professor of canon law in the
University of Vienna, after making special studies for six months at Rome. He was consecrated as
assistant bishop to the
bishop of Brixen, , on 31 March 1862, and became his vicar-general for the Vorarlberg. On 23 September 1864, he was named by the emperor
Bishop of St. Polten, not far from Vienna. When at Rome in 1867, he was named
assistant at the papal throne. In 1869, Pope
Pius IX proposed Fessler to the Congregation for the direction of the coming Vatican Council as secretary to the council. The appointment was well received, the only objection being from
Prospero Caterini, who thought the choice of an Austrian might make the other nations jealous. Fessler was informed of his appointment on 27 March, and as the pope wished him to come with all speed to Rome, he arrived there on 8 July, after hastily dispatching the business of his diocese. The
Catholic Encyclopedia describes Fessler's work as secretary as giving "universal satisfaction", praising his "vast and intimate acquaintance with the
Church Fathers and with ecclesiastical history" and his "thorough knowledge of canon law." The encyclopedia also speculates that the burden of the work may have contributed to his early death on 25 April 1872. == Works ==