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April 12, 1789–June 7, 1846
Patron Saint of the Diocese of Bobbio, Val di Vera region, the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary
St. Anthony Mary Gianelli was a 19th-century Italian bishop and religious founder whose life was dedicated to education, charity, and pastoral leadership.
He was born on April 12, 1789, in the rural village of Cerreta, near Chiavari in northern Italy. His parents were farmers, and the family lived a simple life. Despite their modest circumstances, Anthony showed exceptional intelligence and profound faith from an early age. Local priests recognized his potential and helped him pursue studies that eventually led him to the seminary.
He was ordained a priest in 1812, during a time of social and political upheaval following the Napoleonic era. He quickly became known for his energy, compassion, and commitment to serving both the spiritual and practical needs of the people entrusted to his care.
In addition to parish ministry, Anthony taught and later served as rector of a seminary, where he helped form future priests. Recognizing the urgent need for education and charitable outreach, he founded a religious congregation in 1829 known as the Daughters of Mary Most Holy of the Garden. The sisters were dedicated to teaching young people, caring for the sick, and assisting the poor.
His leadership and pastoral ability eventually led to his appointment as Bishop of Bobbio in 1838. As bishop, he focused on strengthening parish life, supporting priests, and expanding Catholic education. He was known for visiting parishes regularly and maintaining close contact with the people of his diocese.
St. Anthony Mary Gianelli died on June 7, 1846, and was canonized in 1951. His powerful preaching touched many lives. His educational reforms strengthened the Archdiocese of Bobbio and resulted in a more unified and better-educated faith community.
Anthony founded the religious congregation known as the Daughters of Mary Most Holy of the Garden in 1829 in Chiavari, Italy, in collaboration with Caterina Podestà. The community was created to respond to the growing social needs of the time, particularly the lack of education and care for the poor. The congregation began with 13 women of different ages and social backgrounds, united by a spirit of service to those in need. The sisters dedicated themselves to teaching children, caring for the sick, and providing charitable support to impoverished families. Today, the Daughters of Mary continue their mission in education, pastoral work, and charitable service throughout the world. The order operates in 13 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, including Italy, Spain, the United States, India, Brazil, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When Anthony became Bishop of Bobbio in 1838, the diocese faced many pastoral challenges. The region experienced political instability and social difficulties in the years following the Napoleonic wars. Many parishes lacked adequate resources, and clergy needed support and guidance. Anthony worked diligently to strengthen the diocese’s spiritual life. Despite declining health, he traveled regularly to visit parishes, encouraged better formation for priests, and promoted religious education for the faithful. He also supported charitable initiatives to assist the poor and vulnerable. His committed leadership helped revitalize the diocese and strengthen the Church’s presence in the region.
Education was one of the central priorities of St. Anthony’s ministry. He believed education was essential not only for intellectual development but also for strengthening faith and moral character. Through the congregation he founded, the Daughters of Mary Most Holy of the Garden, he provided both religious and practical instruction for young people, especially those from poor families. As the Bishop of Bobbio, Anthony prioritized the intellectual and moral formation of both the clergy and the laity: He reformed seminaries to ensure better training for priests and seminarians in theology and morals. He founded academies for the study of the Holy Scriptures, implemented catechesis for the children throughout his diocese, and organized lay societies to instruct the adult faithful.
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