St. Joseph Marello
Feast Day, May 30

Joseph Marello was a man of prayer, deep thinking, and fast action. His prayer was affective, his thoughts were logical, organized, born of a deep faith, and tempered by knowledge of his time. His action was intrepid, far-reaching, fearless, tenacious, without giving in to tiredness or discouragement.

He served as the Bishop of Acqui, Italy from 1889 until his death in 1895. In his work as shepherd of his diocese, he promoted studying the Catechism, the Christian training of the young, the parish missions, and Christian living.

As a priest and bishop, he was a zealous and dynamic preacher. He nurtured and enlivened the faith of multitudes, giving sermons, directing retreats, and guiding the desires and concerns of people of all ages.

And he also dreamed. He dreamed of regenerating the world through the influence of a new religious community. Founded in 1878, he called this community "Company of St. Joseph," and later "Oblates of St. Joseph." He gave his Oblates, St. Joseph as a model and placed them under his protection. He wanted his spiritual sons to have and to spread devotion to the Foster Father of Jesus.

From Blessed Jospeh Marello: Quotations from his Writings by Andrew Porro OSJ