BELLESINI, STEFANO, Blessed. — Born at Trento on 25 Nov. 1774; died at Genazzano on 2 Feb. 1840. At the age of sixteen he entered the Augustinian Order, completing his novitiate at the convent of S. Giacomo in Bologna; he was then sent to Rome for philosophical studies. In 1796 he returned to Bologna for theology. Overtaken by the Revolution, he was obliged to take refuge in his native land, where he was ordained priest the following year. At Trento, ardently zealous for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, he opened schools for the Christian formation of youth. In recognition of his merits, the Austrian government appointed him general director of the schools of the principality of Trento. When the religious Orders were re-established, B. returned to his brethren in 1817. He was elected master of novices at Rome, Città della Pieve, and Genazzano, where in 1831 he was appointed parish priest at the sanctuary of the Madonna del Buon Consiglio. He remained in this office until his death, which occurred while he was assisting plague victims. Pius X beatified him on 27 Dec. 1904.
BBL.: F. Balzofiore, Della vita del ven. servo di Dio S. B. parroco agost., Roma 1868; P. Billeri, Vita del b. S. B., ivi 1904; G. Lepore, Compendio della vita del b. S. B., 2nd ed., ivi 1933; V. F., L'atto di professione autografo del b. S. B., in Bollettino storico agostiniano, 11 (1935), pp. 71–76; Nel centenario della morte del b. S. B. 1840-1940, Pergine 1940 (single issue published by the diocese of Trento).