Santa Clara County
Biographies
REV. NICHOLAS CONGIATO, S. J.
REV. N. CONGIATO, S. J. Inseparably associated with the
history of the Jesuit Church in California is the name of the late Father Congiato, who was especially endeared to the people of his
faith in San Jose, the scene of his untiring labors through a long period of
years. He was born on the island of Sardinia September 14, 1816, and
at an early age began to study under the Fathers of the Society of Jesus, whose
zeal and consecration so impressed him that he resolved to emulate their
example. May 15, 1835, he applied for admission into the order, and,
having devoted two years to theological studies, he entered the Jesuit College
in Turin, where he took a course in science and literature. For
a time he was retained as vice-president of the College of Nobles and later
held a similar position in the College of Fribourg. Returning to his
native land he took up theological studies and at their conclusion was ordained
priest.
Coming
to America via Belgium, Father Congiato
found orders in New York City requesting him to proceed to St. Louis. While
there the Bishop of Kentucky requested the Fathers of the Society to take
charge of the new college which he, after enduring many hardships, had built at
Bardstown. Among those who answered the call was Father Congiato.
After a short time as chaplain he was made president of the institution. On the
completion of his term of office he came to California and was appointed
president of the College of St. Ignatius. Soon, however, he was sent to Oregon
to perfect the organization of various institutions founded by
Father de Smet, the Indian missionary.
After his return to California he was called to the highest posts of the order.
After coming to San Jose he was made rector of St. Joseph’s Church, at the
head of which he continued for almost twenty years. When the house of worship
was burned he took charge of the building of the present stately edifice. When
failing health obliged him to take a respite from labor the care of the church
was transferred to younger shoulders, and after a short interval of rest he was
appointed superior of the mission of California. Under his supervision the
present Novitiate at Los Gatos was erected and there his death occurred May 10, 1897,
after sixty-two faithful and successful years in the service of the church.
Transcribed by Marie Hassard 14 November 2015.
Source: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages
891-892. The Chapman Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1904.
© 2015 Marie
Hassard.