Patron of the Oblates of St. Joseph and of the Diocese of Acqui Youth. Feast day: May 30
St. Joseph Marello was born on December 26, 1844 in Turin, Italy. He was ordained a priest in 1868 in Asti. For many years he was secretary for Bishop Savio of Asti, who held him in such esteem that he chose him as his confessor. He was also canon and diocesan chancellor. He devoted himself to the pastoral ministry with fervour and humility.
He was friends with St. John Bosco and he attended the First Vatican Council with Bishop Savio where he met the future Pope Leo XIII—who praised him for his virtues and talents.
In 1878 he founded the Congregation of the Oblates of St. Joseph with the particular intention of looking after the poor as well as the Christian education of the young.
In 1889, he was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Acqui, a post he held for the remainder of his life. He visited all the parishes in the diocese and wrote six pastoral letters which touched on subjects like peace, penance, Christian education, catechesis, missions and the propagation of the faith.
St. Joseph Marello died in Savona on 30 May 1895 at the age of 50. He was beatified in 1995 and canonised on 25 November 22001.
Some quotes from St. Joseph Marello:
“Different positions mean different opportunities to do good, different ways to pile up merits”
“Be extraordinary in ordinary things”
Prayer to St. Joseph Marello
O Saint Joseph Marello, like your patron and model, St. Joseph, you are a proof that sanctity consists not in extraordinary achievements that attract the world‘s attention, but in the daily exercise of the virtues of simplicity, charity and humility.
With complete trust in divine Providence, you founded the Oblates of St. Joseph, to serve the interests of Jesus in imitation of his guardian and protector.
Father of youth, protector of the poor and the aged, gentle shepherd of your flock, model of charity, you blended strength with kindness, prayers with action, and faithfulness to the Church with zealous attention to the sign of the times.
May your holy life inspire the youth to take the gospel as their sure guide; your Oblates to be hidden and faithful instruments of God‘s work; priests and bishop to be loyal and loving shepherds.
Pray with us that we may all live with that peace.
Vicky Crawford
Year of St, Joseph Preparation Committee
St. Joseph’s Church, Garden Road
