SCHNEIDER, JOSEPH. - Ascetical writer, b. 5 Sept. 1824 at Friesheim (Germany), d. at Rome on 7 Jan. 1884.
In 1852 he entered the Society of Jesus and devoted himself to pastoral ministry at Cologne, Aachen, Mainz, and Regensburg, distinguishing himself as director of Marian Congregations for men. Called to Rome, he held the office of consultor to the S. Congregation of Indulgences and Religious.
Among his spiritual works, the best known are: Manuale sacerdotum (1862, 16th ed. 1905), Manuale Clericorum (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), republished by Beringer. S. was 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.