Bernhard Galura

After he had completed his classical studies in his native town he entered the convent of the Friars Minor at Altbreisach, but because of its suppression by Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II, his stay here was of short duration.

Recognizing in him a man of learning and sound judgment, Emperor Francis appointed him in 1805 spiritual referee at Günzburg, but owing to political changes he lost his position here, and ten years later was assigned to the same duty at Innsbruck.

Like his predecessors, Galura directed all his efforts towards safeguarding the unity of the Catholic faith in his diocese.

By the establishment of missions and educational institutions and by the introduction of religious orders, especially the Jesuits (who had been banished from there) and the Sisters of Mercy (in 1838), he succeeded in restoring much of what the secular power had destroyed during the administration of his predecessor.

He was highly respected by the civil authorities, and his deeply religious spirit, his charity towards the poor, and his administrative abilities have made him an ornament to his church and country.