Saint Joseph Pignatelli

Joseph Mary Pignatelli, SJ (Spanish: José María Pignatelli) (27 December 1737 – 15 November 1811) was a Spanish priest who was the unofficial leader of the Jesuits in exile in Sardinia, after the suppression of the Society. Supervising its restoration, he is considered the second founder of the Society of Jesus. 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 the Governor's 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), as members of the nobility, to remain in the city, provided that they leave the Society. In spite of Joseph's ill-health, the brothers stood firm and went 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 600 priests and seminarians.