GIANELLI, ANTONIO, Blessed. - Bishop of Bobbio, born at Cereta (La Spezia) on 12 April 1789, died at Piacenza on 7 June 1846. Of poor family, he was enabled to study at the Seminary of Genoa through the intervention of a benefactress. Ordained priest in 1812, he first served as curate vicar at the abbey of S. Matteo, then taught rhetoric for ten years at Carare with the Scolopi and in the seminary, without ceasing to engage in an exemplary manner in works of apostolate.
In 1826 he was named archpriest and vicar general of Chiavari, where in 1829 he founded the Institute of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Garden, commonly called “Gianelline,” vigorous and flourishing; while the institution, though very useful, of the Congregation of Missionaries of St. Alphonsus de’ Liguori, founded in the same year for preaching, especially popular preaching, died out ten years after G.’s death. Having been elected bishop of Bobbio (1838), he immediately set to work to reform and organize the diocese: he established very prudent but firm norms to reinvigorate the ecclesiastical spirit among the clergy and remove abuses; he reorganized the seminary in its studies and discipline; he made three pastoral visits to the diocese and held two synods. He was an example to his clergy, devoting himself to preaching missions, hearing confessions, and giving catechism to children; nor was he sparing in alms to the poor, even depriving himself of necessities.
Even at Bobbio he thought to establish in 1839 a Congregation of missionary priests, which he called the Oblates of St. Alphonsus, but which, after his death, did not withstand external pressures and animosities, so that the various members dispersed and no longer had the courage to reunite. Among its members had been Cristoforo Bonavino, who later, after his defection, became Ausonio Franchi (q.v.).
Death overtook G. at Piacenza, whither he had gone for a brief stay to recover from the illness that had struck him.
He was beatified by Pius XI on 19 April 1929; feast on 7 June.