MARELLO, GIUSEPPE. - Bishop of Acqui, founder of the Oblates of S. Giuseppe, b. in Torino on 26 Dec. 1844, d. in Savona on 30 May 1895.
Having moved to Asti at the age of 10, he attended the Seminary there and, ordained a priest on 19 Sept. 1860, devoted himself to the priestly ministry, a living example to all of active zeal and profound prayer. A canon of the Cathedral and episcopal chancellor, he was elected bishop of Acqui in 1889. Death overtook him suddenly in Savona, whither he had gone for the centenary feast of s. Filippo Neri.
To assist parish priests in their ministry in parishes and missions, he founded in Asti, in 1870, the Congregation of the Oblates of S. Giuseppe, who also concerned themselves with youth in the various youth institutions. Immediately approved by the bishop, it also received the approval of the S. Sede in 1909. The cause for M.’s beatification was introduced in 1948.