|
Also known as: Giuseppe
Maria Pignatelli
Profile
Led and inspired the Jesuits during the 41 years of the Suppression of the
Society. Considered the link between the old Jesuits, suppressed in 1773,
and the new Jesuits, restored in 1814.
An orphan at age 9, he became a resident student at the Jesuit college in
Saragossa. Entered the Jesuits in 1753 at age 16, along with his brother.
Developed tuberculosis, which weakened and haunted him the rest of his
life. Ordained in 1762 at age 25.
Expelled with other Jesuits on 3 April 1767 by order of King Charles III.
Joseph had a chance to stay due to his noble background, but he left with
his exiled brothers. On the road they found that the Jesuits were being
expelled from all countries except Prussia and Russia. Joseph stubbornly
kept together a remnant of the order, and these would be the restoration
of the Jesuits three years after Joseph's death.
Groups of Jesuits reformed into societies such as The Society of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus in France and The Society of the Faith of Jesus in
Italy. The Jesuits survived in Russia, and though he lived in Italy,
Joseph associated himself with them. In 1775, Pope Pius VI gave permission
for Jesuits from other countries to rejoin the Jesuits in Russia, and in
1799 approved the opening of a novitiate in Colorno, Italy, making Joseph
the Master of Novices. In 1801 King Charles Emmanuel IV of Sardinia
reinstated the Jesuits in his kingdom, and in 1815 he joined them himself.
In 1800 Pope Pius VII determined to completely restore the Society, but
was unable until the fall of Napoleon. Despite their being virtually
nothing left of the Society's resources, requests for the restored Jesuits
to start schools poured in from every direction. Within a year the Society
had as many members and as many foundations as the old Society had had in
1555.
Born
1737 at Saragossa, Spain
Died
11 November 1811 of his life long fight with tuberculosis
Beatified
21 May 1933 by Pope Pius XI
Canonized
1954 by Pope Pius XII
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintj57.htm
|
