Saint Antonio Maria Gianelli

Antonio Maria Gianelli, born on April 12, 1789, and died on June 7, 1846, was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate dedicated to serving his community in multiple capacities. He served as the Bishop of Bobbio from 1837 until his death and founded two religious institutes: the Figlie di Nostra Signora del Giardino and the Missionaries of Saint Alphonsus. His dedication extended beyond ecclesiastical duties; he provided aid to the ill and poor, and focused on evangelization as a central part of his mission. Gianelli was known for his charisma and eloquence, which contributed significantly to his effectiveness in his roles. His beatification took place in 1925, and he was canonized as a saint in late 1951. Since June 4, 2000, he has been the patron saint of both Bobbio and Val di Vara.