Rudolf Svoboda is a member of the Department of Sciences of Theology at the Faculty of Theology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice (Budweis) and dean at the same institution. He specialises in the church history of the 18th and 19th centuries, with a focus on the Enlightenment, Josephinism and the history of churches and religious communities in South Bohemia.

• The religious and social milieu of Jirsík’s life – Jirsík’s early years and initial literary activities during the period as an assistant priest 1798–1832 – Jirsík’s activities and works in his time as a parish priest 1832–46 – Prague period 1846–51 – Jirsík’s episcopal period 1851–83 – Jirsík’s place in the spiritual and social streams of his time – Jirsík’s personality and legacy