Stephan Ehses (1891-1893, 1895-1926)

The historian Stefan Ehses, born in Zeltingen on the Moselle in 1855, succeeded the founding director Kirsch as director of the RIGG for three decades in 1895. However, he had to leave Rome during the First World War and was only able to return to the Institute's headquarters in 1925.

After grammar school in Trier, Ehses decided to study theology, but had to begin his studies in Würzburg because of the Kulturkampf, as the Trier seminary was closed. After receiving his doctorate in 1881 in Würzburg, he moved to the seminary in Eichstätt to prepare for the priesthood, where he was ordained for the diocese of Trier on 15 July 1883. His ordination was followed by two years of study at the College for Priests of the Campo Santo Teutonico in Rome. From 1885 to 1891, he worked as a chaplain in his home diocese until he was granted leave to continue his historical studies in Rome for two years and lived at the Campo Santo. During these years he succeeded Johannes Peter Kirsch as director of the RIGG.

After a short interlude as parish priest in Karweiler, he was again granted leave of absence to Rome and on 01.01.1895 again took over the direction of the RIGG, which he led until his death. Since 1895 he no longer lived at the college, but privately in the city. The rhythm of his life consisted of working every morning in the Vatican Archives and supervising the work of the scholars of the Görres Society, all of whom were also working on the Society's major edition projects.

As a result of Italy's entry into the war, Ehses, like many other Germans, had to leave Rome in 1915, but returned to Rome in 1925 after stays in various German cities. He died a few months later. His grave is on the Campo Santo Teutonico, directly opposite the church entrance.

Ehses rendered great services to the RIGG with his more than 40 years of activity - 30 of them as director. He had been closely associated with the Römische Quartalschrift since 1891, and from 1897-1906 he headed its historical department. His most important scientific achievements were, among many other publications, in the field of nunciature history and the edition of the Acts of the Council of Trent, of which he was responsible for four volumes. Ehses belonged to the quiet but outstanding research figures of the Görres Society.

Here is a biography of Ehses, written by Hermann Ries and published on 27 March 1955 in the Trier church newspaper "Paulinus" (pages 10-11)

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Category: Former Directors