St. Joseph Marello was born in Turin, Italy on December 26, 1844. Entering the seminary of Asti, he was ordained priest in the year 1868. For many years he occupied the position of secretary to the Diocesan Bishop who held him in such esteem that he chose him as his confessor. He was also canon and diocesan chancellor. At the same time, he devoted himself to the pastoral ministry with fervor and humility.

Aware of the spiritual needs of the faithful, in 1878, he founded the Congregation of the Oblates of Saint Joseph with the particular intention of looking after the Christian education of the young. In 1888, he was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Acqui, a position he held with amiability and firmness, imitating St. Francis de Sales. A true example to his flock, he won the favor of the clergy and the people, who appreciated his pastoral charity and the sanctity of his life.

He died in Savona on May 30, 1895, venerated by his spiritual children. His reputation for sanctity having persisted, a canonization process was begun. On June 12, 1978, Pope Paul VI declared Bishop Joseph Marello “Venerable”.

On April 2, 1993, the healing of Fr. Aldo Falconetti, OSJ (who was at that time still a cleric) from the meningitis syndrome was declared as a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Servant of God. He was beatified in Asti on September 26, 1995.

By a solemn decree on December 18, 2000, the Holy Father declared that the miracle worked by God through the intercession of Blessed Founder has been verified: namely the sudden, complete and enduring recovery of the Peruvian children Alfredo and Isilia Chávez León, who were both restored to health at the same time from broncho-pulmonitis. During the Eucharistic Celebration at St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, on November 25, 2001, Pope John Paul II inscribed St. Joseph Marello in the Church's Album of Saints.