Adolph Kolping, the ‘Father of the Journeymen’ was born on 8th December 1813 at Kerpen, a small village near Cologne in Germany. He was born in a poverty-stricken shepherd family and he, therefore, experienced destitution in his early childhood. Adolph Kolping could not pursue high school studies as the parents were unable to support him for education although he had an ardent desire for higher education. Consequently, he took up apprenticeship under a shoemaker to support the family. He worked for ten years as a shoemaker, moving from place to place. The rural economy suffered significantly as the result of industrialization during the training period of Adolph Kolping. Many, therefore, lost their livelihood and were forced to migrate to urban areas to take up alternative livelihood. During these days, he observed the misery of migrants who had left their families from the rural areas to urban centers in search of livelihood. After mastering shoe making skill, he continued secondary schooling at the age of 23 with the support of a benefactor as the thirst for higher education continued to be alive in him. During the study days, he realized that he had a special call for priesthood and subsequently joined the University of Munich in 1841 for theological studies. Adolph Kolping was ordained to priesthood in the church of the Minor Friars in Cologne on 13th April 1845.
Adolph Kolping, during his first assignment at Wuppertal-Elberfeld showed significant involvement in the issues of journeymen as he was much familiar with the hardships of the migrants during the ten years of his craftsmanship in shoe making. The concerns of journeyman, therefore, became the primary focus of his ministry. Adolph Kolping founded the first Journeymen Association on 6th May 1849, which is now called Kolping Family Association. The commitment towards the wellbeing of the poor working class was so strong that Adolph Kolping never cared for his health. This was the reason for the early death of Adolph Kolping at the age of 51 on 4th December 1865. Father Adolph Kolping was laid to rest in the Minorite Church. Adolph Kolping was declared “Blessed” in Rome on 27th October 1991. Blessed Adolph Kolping stands today as a tall model to the society as his life and teachings are ever relevant and meaningful.
The work initiated by Adolph Kolping in Germany, about 170 years ago, has now spread far and wide across several continents. Despite the rapid growth and fast changing socio-economic-political contexts, Adolph Kolping remains as an Icon inspiring people to continue his development work among the people in need.
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