Joseph Pignatelli
| St. Joseph Mary Pignatelli, S.J. | |
|---|---|
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| Restorer of the Society of Jesus | |
| Born |
December 27, 1737 Zaragoza, Spain |
| Died | November 15, 1811 (aged 73) Rome, First French Empire |
| Venerated in |
Catholic Church (Society of Jesus) |
| Beatified | 21 May 1933 by Pope Pius XI |
| Canonized | 12 May 1954 by Pope Pius XII |
| Major shrine |
Church of the Gesù Piazza del Gesù, Rome, Italy |
| Feast | 14 November |
Saint Joseph Mary Pignatelli, S.J. (Spanish: José María Pignatelli), was a Spanish priest who was the unofficial leader of the Jesuits in exile in Sardinia, after the suppression of the Society of Jesus. Supervising its restoration, he is considered its second founder.
Pignatelli was born in Zaragoza, Spain, of Neapolitan descent and noble lineage. He did his early studies in the Jesuit College of Zaragoza, along with his brother, Nicolás. There he developed tuberculosis, which was to plague him his entire life. He entered the Society of Jesus at the age of 15 on 8 May 1753 in Tarragona, despite his family's opposition. On completing his theological studies he was ordained a priest, and assigned to teach at the College of Zaragoza.
In 1766 the Governor of Zaragoza was held responsible for a threatened famine, and so enraged was the populace against him that they were about to destroy his palace by fire. Pignatelli's persuasive power over the people averted the calamity. Despite the letter of thanks sent by King Charles III of Spain, the Jesuits were accused of instigating the above-mentioned riot. Pignatelli's refutation of the charge was followed by the decree of expulsion of the Jesuits of Zaragoza on 4 April 1767.
The Count of Aranda, a favorite of the king and a supporter of the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain, offered to allow Pignatelli and his brother, Nicolás (also a member of the Society), to remain in the city, provided that they leave the Society. In spite of Joseph's ill-health, the brothers stood firm and were forced into exile with their confreres.
Not permitted by Pope Clement XIII to land at Civitavecchia in Italy, along with the other Jesuits of the province of Aragon, they sailed to the Corsican Republic, where Pignatelli displayed a marked ability for organization in providing for 500 priests and seminarians. His sister, the Duchess of Acerra, aided them with money and provisions. He organized studies and the Jesuits were able to maintain their regular religious observances.
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