MENOCCHIO, BARTOLOMEO, venerable. — Of the Hermits of s. Agostino, born in Carmagnola on 10 March 1741, died in Rome on 25 March 1823.
A religious from 1760, he was initially professor of theology for his confrères, then an acclaimed preacher throughout the Marches; his words and the example of his virtues were often confirmed by miraculous healings. In 1796 he was consecrated coadjutor bishop of Reggio, and in 1800 chosen by Pius VII as confessor and sacristan. He never neglected his pastoral ministries during those turbulent and uncertain times, devoting himself especially to the poor and the sick.
He wrote and published five Novene for the principal feasts of the Virgin. The cause of beatification was introduced on 27 April 1871.
BIBL.: G. Lanteri, Postrema saecula sex Religionis Augustinianae, III, Rome 1860, pp. 287 ff.; D. A. Perini, Bibliographia augustiniana, II, Florence 1931, pp. 206–208.