Fr. Mathias Wolff, SJ – Founder and Inspiration
Fr. Mathias Wolff, SJ (1779–1857), was a man of deep faith, apostolic zeal, and complete trust in God. Born in Diekirch, Luxembourg, into a simple and religious family, he grew up during the challenging period of the French Revolution. From his early years, he cherished a desire to become a Jesuit and dedicate himself entirely to the greater glory of God. Since the Society of Jesus had been suppressed, he was ordained a diocesan priest in 1802 and served with great zeal in several parishes before being called to teach at the seminary in Cologne. When the Society of Jesus was restored in 1814, he joyfully fulfilled his lifelong dream by entering the Jesuit novitiate at the age of thirty-five.
Soon afterwards, Fr. Wolff was sent to Culemborg in the Netherlands, where Catholics faced many challenges due to a shortage of priests and restrictions on the practice of their faith. In this difficult situation, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to strengthening the faith of the people entrusted to his care. Through his inspiring preaching, patient hours in the confessional, and genuine love for the people, he helped renew the faith of countless Catholics. However, his mission was not without difficulties. Despite opposition, criticism, and even threats to his life, he remained steadfast in his commitment, trusting completely in God and serving with joy, wisdom, and a warm sense of humour. This unwavering apostolic spirit was captured in his own words: “I want to work for God like a giant and win as many souls as I can,” revealing the deep zeal that inspired his life and mission.
Moved by this spirit to work always for the greater glory of God, Fr. Wolff founded the congregation of the Society of Jesus Mary Joseph to provide a sound Catholic education, especially for girls. Amid many political obstacles, he remained a constant spiritual guide to the sisters. His greatest concern was that people should “see something special” in his sisters, a life marked by faith, humility, and joyful service. His burning zeal for God led him to encourage the sisters to be ready for every mission entrusted to them. This spirit later became the distinctive charism of the congregation: ever-adaptable apostolic availability.
He taught the sisters to trust God with the simplicity of a little child and to remain open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus was moved by the Spirit to send His disciples to proclaim the Good News, he wanted the sisters to be ready to respond generously to God’s call. For Fr. Wolff, the Christian life was a continual striving for the greater glory of God, and humility was the jewel that adorned the JMJ vocation.
Through his parish ministry, retreats for priests, and faithful spiritual accompaniment, Fr. Wolff embodied what has often been described as “ascending to God and descending to His people.” Deeply rooted in prayer and completely dedicated to those entrusted to his care, he remained a true people’s priest until the end of his life. He died on 31 October 1857 at the age of seventy-eight in Culemborg, where he had spent many fruitful years of ministry. Today, he rests in Heeswijk, the Netherlands, leaving behind a living legacy that continues to inspire the sisters of JMJ in their mission throughout the world.