Founded in 1854 the Bischöfliches Priesterseminar Borromaeum in Münster stands proudly on Domplatz 8. This seminary trained priests for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Münster. Its history is rich and complex.
The first rector was Friedrich Michelis. The Borromaeum experienced a significant setback during the Kulturkampf. This period of state-church conflict led to its closure in 1876. The building we see today wasn’t built then. It was constructed between 1913 and 1915.
The seminary thrived in the 1920s and 1930s. Around 1900 50 to 60 seminarians entered annually. This number swelled to over 80 and eventually 110 by the late 1920s and early 1930s. So many applicants were turned away. The Borromaeum’s success was tragically interrupted. World War II bombing largely destroyed the building.
Today the Borromaeum has adapted to changing times. The number of aspiring priests has significantly declined. In fact in 2023 and 2024 for the first time in over 1200 years no priestly ordinations took place in the Diocese of Münster. This reflects a broader trend in the Catholic Church.
To adapt the Borromaeum now houses students from various fields. They make up the majority of its residents. Since 2015 refugees from Syria Ukraine and other countries have joined the community. Women have been living there since the winter semester of 2021/22. Currently around 60 students live in the Borromaeum. It is now a lively vibrant community. The Diocese of Essen and the Diocese of Osnabrück also send their candidates to the Münster seminary. Future training before diaconate or priestly ordination will be part of a joint pastoral course. This course involves fourteen dioceses in Erfurt Hamburg and Paderborn.
The name Borromaeum honors Saint Charles Borromeo. He was a counter-reformation figure who championed priest education. He reformed and regulated priestly training. The building even features Mary Immaculata as a co-patron. A statue of Mary and Jesus Christ blesses those entering and leaving the Borromaeum. Its history reflects both the challenges and resilience of the Catholic Church in Münster and beyond. It’s more than just a seminary; it’s a living testament to faith adaptation and community.