Möhler in Meran: Memories of the Deceased Theologian

Appendix.

Möhler in Meran. 2/2

(Conclusion.)

Strauß made no attempt to inquire further about the unknown professor, when suddenly a casual word fell, revealing Möhler without any intention. “So I have before me, as I notice,” Strauß interjected vividly, “not Professor Müller whom I was seeking, but Möhler, the author of the Symbolik.” Möhler made a silent, friendly bow in affirmation. “You have understood and depicted Protestantism quite correctly,” Strauß continued, “I am entirely in agreement with your depiction, only I draw different conclusions from it. What appears to you as its weakness, I regard as a particular advantage of it, as the great principle of the perfectibility of our confession.” Möhler replied nothing; both parted cordially from each other, and the former was visibly cheered the entire evening by the whole incident. In the hours of rest, which was usually the case from 10 to 4 to avoid the greatest heat, he studied the history of the episcopal churches of Brixen and Trient, occasionally also reading one book or another for entertainment, namely Lewald's “Tirol.” As much as he praised the presentation in the latter, just as much did he express his astonishment at the dissimilarity of the pictures to reality. Meanwhile, he occupied himself continually with the idea of a history of the Benedictine Order, to which he was particularly devoted, and intended to demonstrate in a large octavo volume its immeasurable effects on Western culture. He therefore read diligently in the constitutions of this order and also collected much that suited his purpose. His discourse became particularly interesting when he spoke of his journey through Germany, which he had undertaken for literary purposes before entering his teaching office in Tübingen. He stayed for a longer period in Berlin and familiarized himself with all circles of religious life. “What according to human view,” he said, “was suited to alienate my not yet sufficiently settled spiritual inclination from Catholic interests, became in the hand of God the very means to present Catholicism to me in its firm, indestructible power, in its eternal sublimity and dignity, so that my stay in Berlin must be called the most decisive and important moment.” The aberrations of Pietism and spirit-seeing made a particular impression on him and contributed essentially to impressing upon him the Church as the focal point of truth as an indispensable necessity. Just as his outward posture, and even more his intellectual disposition, always aimed at all-around symmetry, surveying with calmness and seriousness from a secure stance the immense masses of science and art, as well as of world and human history, so nothing was more painful to him than any lack of measure and excess, however well or ill-intended, in religion and church, in state and unions of countries. He often lamented with a heavy heart, as if foreseeing the events of the present with a prophetic eye, the clash of extremes, all the more difficult to mediate the more easily calm and moderation can be overlooked in the tumult of conflicting opinions. In particular, he urgently enjoined the most modest steadfastness on the line of the ecclesial domain, tireless patience, and self-sacrificing accommodation, in order truly to serve the Church and to expand its manifold interests with certainty and permanence. The opposite conduct he called: “untimely challenging of the hostile storm masses.” He witnessed with pleasure everywhere the revival of religious orders, but insisted just as decisively on new foundations, adapted to the times and firmly established in scholarship and virtue, without which the form would never suffice to enliven the spirit and to provide the present with what was necessary, with the consoling prospect of lasting continuance in an improved future. Of the Sisters of Charity he said that in his whole life he had never been so deeply moved by anything as by the self-sacrifice and love of these heroic virgins on the Rhine. The teaching profession stood before his soul so compellingly and blessedly, so suited to his inclination, that he did not have the heart to think of relinquishing his post even when well-meaning friends gently intimated the necessity of this step for health reasons. He therefore took the liveliest interest in everything related to education. He devoted particular affection and attention to the Gymnasium and the school of the English Ladies in our town, so that with the noblest humanity he gathered all judgements reaching his ears about both institutions and communicated them to those from whose cooperation he believed he could expect the upholding of the good and true. His fervent piety, especially in church during Holy Mass, gave not only to his words and deeds, but to his very appearance, to his demeanor, an irresistible power that won and attracted all hearts to him. His noble, philanthropic figure is still remembered with joy today, and this memory lives on blessedly in its moral effects. Hence his death made an impression all the deeper here, the fresher the image of the mild, wise teacher stood before our soul. May his memory long live on among us as the best commentary on his brilliant writings, blessing and enlivening what the transfigured one represented on earth: truth and virtue of the Catholic Church.

Meran, 14 May 1838.