Pontifical College Josephinum

Pontifical College Josephinum is not just a seminary; it's a private university and a Pontifical College dedicated to forming priests. It holds a unique place in American Catholic education, founded on a deep commitment to service and spiritual formation. With a student body of 81, it offers an intimate and focused environment for those called to the priesthood, guided by its inspiring motto: "Si Deus pro nobis, quis contra nos" (If God is for us, who can be against us).

The Josephinum's roots trace back to a remarkable story of compassion. Founded in 1888 by Father Joseph Jessing, a German immigrant priest, its origins are intertwined with the St. Joseph Orphan Asylum. Father Jessing, who started an orphanage in 1870 and moved it to Columbus in 1876, saw the desire of some of his orphan boys to pursue the priesthood. This, coupled with the need for German-speaking priests, led him to establish the Collegium Josephinum, welcoming its first class of 23 men. This foundation highlights a legacy of nurturing vocations from the most humble beginnings.

The academic program at the Josephinum is comprehensive, designed to provide a complete formation for the priesthood. It initially offered a twelve-year curriculum, covering six years of minor seminary (high school and pre-theology) and six years of major seminary (more pre-theology and four years of theology). This rigorous and structured approach ensures that students receive a thorough Catholic education and practical training. The small student body fosters a close-knit community, offering personalized attention and a supportive environment for spiritual growth, culminating in the profound experience of ordination, as first witnessed by Father Jessing himself in 1899.