Furstenberg, Ferdinand Von

Furstenberg, Ferdinand von a German prelate, was born at Bilstein, in Westphalia, October 21, 1626. Dedicated to then Church from infancy, he became canon of Hildesheim, and finally cameleriie segreto of pope Alexander VII. He was chosen bishop of Paderborn, April 20, 1661, and took possession the following October. He administered his diocese with a remarkable spirit of equity, encouraged public instruction, caused new school buildings to be erected, attended to a careful distribution of instruction, preached successfully in behalf of various missions, and raised for this object 101,740 thalers. In 1678 he became bishop of Munster, after having been the coadtjutor of his predecessor, also vicargeneral of the pope for the countries of the North. Ho died June 26, 1683, leaving some poems and other works, See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.