The Missionary John Nepomucene Neumann and the Leopoldine Society

Abstract The missionary John Nepomucene Neumann’s relationship with the Leopoldine Society lasted practically his entire adult life. The inspiration of the activities of the Leopoldine Society stood at the birth of Neumann’s missionary vocation during his theological studies in Budweis (Bohemia). Throughout his stay in the United States, from 1836 to 1860, we can trace Neumann’s contacts with the Leopoldine Society, which were of different kinds according to the responsibilities he gradually accepted: first, he obtained support as an ordinary missionary for his livelihood, and later for the projects of the Redemptorists, which, with the confreres, he helped bring to life, and eventually as the Bishop of Philadelphia when he negotiated support for his entire diocese. The Leopoldine Society then, thanks to the regular publication of Neumann’s life story and his views on the Catholic missionary reality in the United States in its printed reports Berichte der Leopoldinen-Stiftung im Kaiserthume Oesterreich, showcased Neumann as one of the successful examples of well-directed support and as a model for future missionaries, society’s members, donors, and benefactors. Especially in his native country, his story attracted attention because he was the first missionary from Bohemia of the new era.