Joseph Marello
Giuseppe Marello was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Acqui from 1889 until his death in 1895. He is chiefly remembered as the founder of the Oblates of Saint Joseph, an order dedicated to caring for the poor and educating children. Marello was beatified in 1993 and canonized in 2001.
- Feast Day
- November 25
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Giuseppe Marello was born on December 26, 1844, in Turin, Italy.
- ›He founded the Oblates of Saint Joseph on March 14, 1878.
- ›Marello was appointed Bishop of Acqui on February 11, 1889, a position he held until his death.
- ›He undertook a large pastoral visitation to all parishes in his diocese between 1890 and 1895.
- ›Marello died of a cerebral hemorrhage on may 30, 1895.
- ›He was beatified on September 26, 1993, and canonized on November 25, 2001.
Joseph Marello
Oblates of Saint Joseph
About Joseph Marello
Giuseppe Marello (known in English as Joseph Marello; December 26, 1844 – May 30, 1895) was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Acqui from 1889 until his death. He is also recognized as the founder of the Oblates of Saint Joseph.
Life and Ministry
Marello was born in Turin, Italy, to Vincenzo Marello and Anna Maria Viale. His early life was marked by a strong inclination towards charity, as he often invited the homeless to his home for food. After contracting typhus in his youth, he promised the Virgin Mary that he would pursue a priestly vocation if he recovered, which he attributed to her intercession.
He was ordained a priest in 1868 and served as a private assistant to the Bishop of Asti. During this time, he attended the First Vatican Council, where he met Cardinal Gioacchino Pecci, who would later become Pope Leo XIII. Marello also took over an Asti retirement home to prevent its bankruptcy and became a spiritual director and catechist.
On March 14, 1878, he founded the Oblates of Saint Joseph, a congregation dedicated to the care of the poor, the education of children and adolescents, and assisting bishops.
Episcopate
In 1889, Pope Leo XIII appointed Marello as the Bishop of Acqui. During his tenure, he undertook a significant pastoral visitation of all 143 parishes in his diocese. He also authored several pastoral letters addressing issues such as catechism, peace, penance, Christian education, and the profession of faith.
Death and Sainthood
Marello died of a cerebral hemorrhage on May 30, 1895, while in Savona to participate in a celebration. His cause for sainthood progressed through various processes, leading to his beatification on September 26, 1993, by Pope John Paul II in Asti. He was subsequently canonized by Pope John Paul II on November 25, 2001, in Saint Peter's Square.
Legacy
Joseph Marello is remembered for his unwavering dedication to the poor and his foundational work in establishing the Oblates of Saint Joseph, an order that continues to serve vulnerable populations. His pastoral leadership and charitable spirit are central to his veneration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Giuseppe Marello born and when did he die?
Giuseppe Marello was born on December 26, 1844, and died on May 30, 1895. He lived a life dedicated to service and faith.
What is Giuseppe Marello known for founding?
He is known for founding the Oblates of Saint Joseph. This religious congregation was established to care for the poor, educate children and adolescents, and assist bishops.
What was Giuseppe Marello's role in the Church?
Giuseppe Marello served as an aide to the Bishop of Asti and later as the Bishop of Acqui from 1889 until his death. He was a proponent for the poor and destitute throughout his life.
When was Giuseppe Marello canonized?
Giuseppe Marello was canonized less than a decade after his beatification. He was canonized on November 25, 2001, in Saint Peter's Square.
What were some of Bishop Marello's pastoral activities?
Bishop Marello issued several pastoral letters addressing issues like catechism and penance. He also organized a comprehensive pastoral visitation to all parishes within his diocese.
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