Diepenbrock, Melchior von (1798-1854)

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Diepenbrock, Melchior von (1798-1854)

Author of two treatises on chirothesy or laying on of hands by the Roman Catholic popes. (See also Healing by Touch ) He was born on January 6, 1798, in Bocholt, Westphalia. After serving as a militia officer in 1815 against France, Diepenbrock decided to study finance and theology and was ordained in 1823. He was ordained a cardinal in 1850. Many of his sermons and pastoral letters were published.

He died in Johannisberg, Upper Silesia, on January 20, 1854.