SCHNEIDER, JOSEPH. - Ascetical writer, born 5 Sept. 1824 at Friesheim (Germany), died in Rome on 7 Jan. 1884.
In 1852 he entered the Society of Jesus and devoted himself to pastoral ministry in Cologne, Aquignana, Mainz, and Regensburg, distinguishing himself as director of Marian Congregations for men. Called to Rome, he held the office of consultor of the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences and Religious.
Among his spiritual works, the best known are: *Manuale sacerdotum* (1862, 16th ed. 1905), *Manuale Clericum* (1868, 5th ed. 1898); *Medulla pietatis christianae*, prayers for young students (1861, 8th ed. 1901); *Die Ablässe, ihr Wesen und ihr Gebrauch* (1860, 15th ed. 1921), reissued by Beringer. S. is responsible for the publication of *Decreta authentica S. Congreg. Indulg. et Religiosorum* (1668–1882), Paderborn 1883, and of *Rescripta authentica necnon Summaria Indulgentiarum* (Paderborn 1885), edited by his collaborator and successor Fr. Beringer.
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