Johannes Leisentritt


Johannes Leisentritt, also Johann Leisentrit was a Catholic priest, dean in St. Peter in Bautzen and administrator of the Diocese of Meißen, responsible for Lusatia. He is known for publishing a 1567 hymnal.

Career

Born in Olmütz to a family of craftsmen, Leisentritt studied theology in Krakau and was consecrated as a priest in March 1549. He was from 1559 dean of the collegiate St. Peter in Bautzen. Bishop John IX of Haugwitz made him the Generalkommissar der Ober- und Niederlausitz, responsible for Lusatia, for both Catholics and Protestants. When the Diocese of Meißen became Protestant that year. Leisentritt was appointed by the pope as administrator of the diocese.
Leisentritt died in Bautzen and was buried in St. Peter, the Bautzen Cathedral.

Hymnal

Leisentritt is known for the publication of the 1567 hymnal Geistliche Lieder und Psalmen der Alten Apostolischer recht und warglaubiger Christlicher Kirchen. It is regarded as a substantial hymnal of the Counter Reformation, containing 250 hymns with 181 melodies. Several come from Protestant sources. 70 new songs are probably written by Leisentritt.

Works