Joseph Pignatelli
Joseph Pignatelli was a Spanish priest and an influential Jesuit who became the unofficial leader of the exiled Jesuits in Sardinia. He is credited with supervising the restoration of the Society of Jesus and is considered its second founder. Pignatelli is remembered for his steadfastness during the suppression of the Jesuits and his instrumental role in their re-establishment.
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›Joseph Pignatelli was born in Zaragoza, Spain, on December 27, 1737.
- ›He entered the Society of Jesus at age 15 on may 8, 1753.
- ›Pignatelli helped avert a riot in Zaragoza in 1766 by persuading an enraged populace.
- ›Following the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain in 1767, he went into exile with his brother Nicolás.
- ›He organized Jesuit communities in exile in Corsica and Genoa, and later in Ferrara.
- ›Pignatelli played a crucial role in the restoration of the Society of Jesus in Parma and its subsequent expansion.
- ›He died in Rome on November 15, 1811, from tuberculosis.
- ›He was beatified in 1933 and canonized in 1954.
José María Pignatelli
About Joseph Pignatelli
Joseph Pignatelli, SJ
Joseph Pignatelli (1737–1811) was a Spanish Jesuit priest who holds a significant place in the history of the Society of Jesus, often recognized as its second founder. Born in Zaragoza, Spain, of Neapolitan noble lineage, Pignatelli entered the Society of Jesus at the age of fifteen despite family opposition. His early life was marked by a struggle with tuberculosis, a condition that plagued him throughout his life.
Life and Historical Context
Pignatelli's early ministry included teaching at the College of Zaragoza. In 1766, his persuasive abilities were credited with averting a riot in the city, though the Jesuits were subsequently accused of instigating the disturbance. This led to their expulsion from Zaragoza in 1767. Despite offers to remain in the city if he left the Society, Pignatelli and his brother Nicolás chose exile with their confreres.
Exile and Organization
During their exile, Pignatelli demonstrated remarkable organizational skills. When forced to leave Corsica due to French control, he secured shelter for Jesuits in Genoa and Ferrara, accommodating those returning from missions in New Spain. The suppression of the entire Society by Pope Clement XIV in 1773 led Pignatelli and his brother to seek refuge in Bologna, where they lived in retirement, forbidden to exercise their ministry. During this period, Pignatelli began collecting materials on the history of the Society.
Restoration of the Society
A key period in Pignatelli's life was the Society's restoration. Following permission from Pope Pius VI for surviving ex-Jesuits to reunite with those in the Russian Empire, Pignatelli worked to achieve this. He eventually received permission from Ferdinand, Duke of Parma, to re-establish the Society in his duchy. With support from Empress Catherine II of Russia, a new establishment was made in 1793. Pignatelli renewed his vows in 1797 and was appointed master of novices. He later served as provincial superior of the Jesuits in Italy and obtained permission for them to serve in the Kingdom of Naples. He founded colleges in Rome, Tivoli, and Orvieto and secured the restoration of the Society in Sardinia in 1807. Pignatelli's prudence ensured the Society continued largely untouched during the French occupation of the Papal States and even allowed him to avoid oaths of allegiance to Napoleon.
Death and Veneration
Joseph Pignatelli died in Rome on November 15, 1811, from hemorrhaging due to his tuberculosis. His remains are interred in a reliquary in the Church of the Gesù in Rome. The cause for his canonization was introduced under Pope Gregory XVI. He was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1933 and canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1954.
Legacy
After Ignatius of Loyola, Pignatelli is considered one of the most important Jesuits in its history. His work directly linked the original Society of Jesus, founded in 1540, with the restored Society, which emerged forty years after its suppression. He is rightly regarded as the savior and restorer of the Society of Jesus.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Joseph Pignatelli?
Joseph Pignatelli was a Spanish Jesuit priest who lived from 1737 to 1811. He is renowned for his leadership in organizing and restoring the Society of Jesus after its suppression.
Why is Joseph Pignatelli considered the second founder of the Jesuits?
He is considered the second founder because he played a pivotal role in the Society's survival during its suppression and its subsequent restoration, effectively bridging the old and new iterations of the order.
What challenges did Joseph Pignatelli face?
Pignatelli faced numerous challenges, including personal illness (tuberculosis), the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain, and the global suppression of the Society. He also had to navigate difficult political landscapes to secure the Jesuits' survival and re-establishment.
What was Pignatelli's role during the suppression of the Jesuits?
During the suppression, Pignatelli became the unofficial leader of the Jesuits in exile, primarily in Sardinia. He organized their communities, secured shelter, and maintained their religious observances despite the prohibition of their order.
When and how was Joseph Pignatelli canonized?
Joseph Pignatelli was beatified on May 21, 1933, by Pope Pius XI, and was canonized on June 12, 1954, by Pope Pius XII, recognizing his holiness and his significant contributions to the Society of Jesus.
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