Egidius Junger

Egidius Jünger, also spelled Aegidius Jünger (April 6, 1833 – December 26, 1895), was a German-born prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Nesqually (now the Archdiocese of Seattle) in the Washington Territory in the United States from 1879 until his death in 1895.

Biography

Early life Egidius Jünger was born on April 6, 1833, in Burtscheid in Rhenish Prussia (in what is today Germany). He received his early education at the schools of Burtscheid and made his classical studies at the gymnasium of Aachen. In 1853, Jünger entered the Catholic University of Leuven in Leuven, Belgium.

Priesthood Jünger was ordained to the priesthood in Mechelen, Belgium on June 27, 1862. He came to the United States as a missionary in October of that year, being stationed at Walla Walla, Washington. He became rector of St. James Cathedral in Vancouver, Washington, in 1864.

A contemporary account described Jünger as a hard worker who lived a simple lifestyle and built good relationships with his priests and parishioners.

Death and legacy Egidius Jünger died at Vancouver on December 26, 1895, at age 62.