FORSTER, Heinrich. – Bishop of Breslau, b. 24 Nov. 1799 at Gross-Giogau, d. 20 Oct. 1881 at Johannesberg castle in Austrian Silesia. Ordained priest in 1825, he first exercised pastoral ministry at Landeshut. In 1837 he became a canon of the Breslau cathedral chapter and distinguished himself by his effective preaching against J. Ronge, one of the founders of the schismatic “German Catholic Church.” In 1853 he succeeded Diepenbrock as prince-bishop of Breslau.
A staunch defender of Catholic rights, he gave clear proof of his worth in the period following the Vatican Council and during the Kulturkampf. He immediately adhered to the declaration of papal infallibility and suspended several professors who were reluctant to approve the Council’s decrees.
FÖRSTER HEINRICH – FÖRSTEM VIRILI PECTORE
In 1873, on behalf of other prelates as well, he addressed Emperor William I, requesting that he not give royal assent to the so-called May Laws, which were expressly contrary to Catholics. The state authorities then decided to proceed with the arrest of the courageous prelate and to compel him to resign his office. Warned in time, the bishop retired to Johannesberg castle (in the Austrian part of his diocese), whence he continued to administer his diocese until his death. In November 1875 a Prussian court judgment declared F. deposed from the dignity of prince-bishop of Breslau.