General
from 1615 to 1645
He was born in 1563
in Venice, that glorious jewel of the Adriatic, not far from Bologna where
the Council of Trent was in full session, having transferred from Trent
for lack of space. In 1583, at the age of 20, he entered the Society whose
reputation was enormous with a membership of over 10,000 and more than
400 colleges throughout Europe. After his training in the Society he was
put to teaching Philosophy and Theology, but after 10 years he became
Rector of the English College, which possibly influenced him later on
as General to make England a separate Province and to establish a Novitiate
in London. Eventually he became the Provincial of Rome and then of Naples
and in 1608 became the Assistant for Italy.
After
the death of Aquaviva the 7th General Congregation was called for November
5, 1615 and would last until January 6, 1616. On November 15, 1615, Vitelleschi
at 51 years old was elected the 6th General of the Society.
He has
often been criticized for his mild rule, still the Society grew to over
16,000 members and 35 provinces. In his governance he stayed within the
guidelines of St. Ignatius and proceeded with determination and gentleness.
He had established the tenure of Superiors and how often there should
be a General Congregation.
After
29 years and 3 months as General he died at the venerable age of 82 on
February 9, 1645 and his remains were placed in the crypt of the Gesú.
|