“Who is that man and why does he have a statue?” someone asks. The Bischof-Johann-Michael-von-Sailer Denkmal stands here as a testament to a man of great influence. This is a statue of Johann Michael Sailer. He was a bishop of Regensburg.
Let’s delve into the story behind this monument. King Ludwig I commissioned it. He wanted to honor Sailer, his former teacher and friend. The Bischof-Johann-Michael-von-Sailer Denkmal became Regensburg’s first personal memorial in a public space.
Max von Widnmann created the statue. Ferdinand von Miller cast it in bronze in 1868. The statue shows Sailer without his bishop’s attire. He has no miter or staff. Instead, he holds a book and turns toward the people. The idea was to present him as an example of virtue.
Originally, the Bischof-Johann-Michael-von-Sailer Denkmal stood on Emmeramsplatz. King Ludwig I chose this location himself. The statue faced south toward the Basilica of St. Emmeram. Its unveiling took place on May 20 1868. This was the 36th anniversary of Sailer’s death.
In 1870, the city added a planted area around the statue. This was replaced by a low enclosure in 1894. Trees were planted as a backdrop in 1909.
The Bischof-Johann-Michael-von-Sailer Denkmal then faced a turbulent period. In 1940, a fire water pond was built on Emmeramsplatz. The statue was removed. It was meant to be melted down for the armaments industry. Fortunately, this never happened.
Walter Boll searched for the statue after the war. He found it in Hamburg. The statue returned to Regensburg in August 1949 slightly damaged. It was placed near the monument for King Ludwig I. This was in the gardens by the Peterskirchlein.
From 1951 to 2014, the Bischof-Johann-Michael-von-Sailer Denkmal stood there. It was then restored. In May 2014, the statue returned to Emmeramsplatz.
Johann Michael Sailer was more than just a bishop. He was born in 1751 and died in Regensburg in 1832. Sailer was a Catholic theologian. He was especially known for his work in pastoral theology. He became Bishop of Regensburg in 1829.
Sailer made significant contributions during his life. He taught theology at the University of Dillingen. He unusually lectured in German instead of Latin. He discussed topics with students in small groups. They talked during walks and evening scripture readings.
His approach caused suspicion and jealousy. Opponents accused him of being an Illuminati. He lost his position in 1794. Sailer later became a professor of theology again. This time it was at the University of Ingolstadt. The university moved to Landshut in 1800.
Sailer became a canon in Regensburg in 1821. He then became General Vicar in 1822. He also became Coadjutor and Titular Bishop of Germanicopolis. He finally became Bishop of Regensburg in 1829.
Sailer cared deeply for his diocese. He focused on pastoral care during confirmation and pastoral trips. Melchior von Diepenbrock was one of his closest colleagues.
Sailer’s grave is in Regensburg Cathedral. King Ludwig I also commissioned this. Konrad Eberhard created it. It is considered one of Eberhard’s main works.
Today, the Bischof-Johann-Michael-von-Sailer Denkmal reminds us of Sailer’s legacy. It reminds us of his dedication to his faith. It also reminds us of his commitment to the people of Regensburg.