The Pignatelli Center, founded in Zaragoza in 1970, is part of the network of Faith-Culture-Justice Centers of the Society of Jesus in Spain. Pilgrims can stamp the Ignatian Way credential here.
St. Joseph Pignatelli (1737-1811), a Jesuit and sixth son of the noble family of the Counts of Fuentes, was a pillar of the reinstatement of the Society of Jesus in 1814, after it had been dramatically suppressed by Pope Clement XIV in 1773. The life of St. Joseph Pignatelli has been a long web of adventure and suffering. From his entry into the novitiate in 1753, he would live years of formation, studies and apostolate that would be cut short by the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain in 1767. The seizure of the college-residence of the Immaculate Conception by the soldiers on April 3, 1767 will break the rhythm of his life to begin a very different stage. For seven months he lived as a refugee on the ships that took them from one port to another in the Mediterranean, without any kingdom wishing to accept the expelled Jesuits.
Finally, this ordeal will end in the port of Ferrara. Joseph, still a young Jesuit who has not yet made his profession, becomes the consolation, support and help to his Jesuit brothers; in the moments of difficulty he will take the reins to accompany, accommodate, feed and assist these men who suffer expulsion, overcrowding, lack of food and, above all, not wanting to be received anywhere, going from one place to another, feeling abhorred and rejected. From Rome he will fight for a new Pope to repeal the decree of suppression of the Jesuits. He died before seeing his dream come true. In this church his closest relics are kept, such as his cross, his prayer book and his remains.
- Address
C/ del Arquitecto Yarza, 3, Zaragoza - Web
https://centro-pignatelli.org/fe/ - Visiting Hours
Unknown - What to see
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