ANDERLEDY, ANTON MARIA

ANDERLEDY, ANTON MARIA. - Jesuit, 23rd Superior General of the Society of Jesus, born at Berisal (Valais) on 3 June 1819, died at Fiesole on 18 January 1892. A pupil of the Jesuits at the college in Briga, he entered the novitiate in 1838; his frail health and the political conditions of the time forced him, after various wanderings through different countries, to complete his studies at Saint Louis in the United States. After a brief ministry in America, he went to Germany, where he was an effective popular missionary; but soon his talents destined him for teaching and leadership roles, until in 1870 he was appointed Assistant General for Germany and in 1883 Vicar General of Beckx with the right to succeed him, which occurred in 1887. During the brief period of his leadership, he devoted special attention to the solid formation of his subjects according to the doctrine of St. Thomas and gave new and strong impetus to the scientific and editorial activities of the Order. Though the times brought him grave tribulations, the constant favor of Leo XIII, from whom he obtained in 1886 the confirmation of the ancient privileges of the Society, brought him relief and comfort; and his lively interior spirit, united with an indomitable willpower, enabled him to overcome every difficulty, despite his health, which had become very weak.