GIHR, NIKOLAUS. - Theologian and liturgist, b. at Aufingen (Baden) on 5 Dec. 1839, d. at S. Peter im Schwarzwald on 25 June 1924. He pursued his theological studies in Rome at the German College and at the Gregorian University, where he received his doctorate in theology in 1862. From 1872 his life was spent at the Seminary of S. Peter im Schwarzwald (archdiocese of Friburgo in Br.), where he successively held the offices of spiritual director, tutor, and, from 1888 until his death, vice-rector.
Endowed with extensive theological, liturgical, and ascetical knowledge, which he knew how to communicate clearly and vividly, G. was a highly esteemed teacher of several generations of young priests. The same qualities also shine forth in his writings, which represent a successful effort to make the treasures of theological learning and liturgy fruitful for spiritual life and pastoral ministry. His well-known and widely circulated works include: Das heilige Metropfer, dogmatisch, liturgisch und aszetisch erklärt (1st ed., Friburgo in Br. 1877; 19th ed. there 1922; French trans., 2 vols., Paris 1900); Die Sequenzen des römischen Messbuches, dogmatisch u. aszetisch erklärt (there 1887); Die heiligen Sakramente (there 1897, 3rd ed. 1918-28, French trans., 4 vols., Paris 1901-1904).