Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio
An Augustinian bishop and confessor to Pope Pius VII, the Venerable Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio demonstrated heroic fidelity to the Church in the face of Napoleonic persecutions.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Youth, family, and entry into the Order of Saint Augustine of Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio.
Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio was born on March 19, 1741, in Carmagnola, in the province of Turin (Piedmont, Italy). He was the youngest of the six children of Michele Antonio Menochio, a pharmacist by profession, and Maria Maddalena Dondona. Coming from a deeply Christian family, he saw two of his older brothers also commit themselves to religious life: Giovanni Giuseppe became a Franciscan and Ignazio joined the Augustinians. Following his brothers' example, Giuseppe Bartolomeo in turn entered the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) and made his religious profession on November 2, 1760, at the convent of Fano (or Fermo according to other documents of the time). He was ordained a priest on February 25, 1764. Endowed with a solid intellectual background, he began his career as a theology teacher within his order.
Life and Work
Episcopal ministry, preaching, and the heroic fidelity of Bishop Menochio in the face of the Napoleonic occupation.
Father Menochio distinguished himself by his oratorical talents and pastoral zeal in the Marches and Emilia. Appointed titular bishop of Hippo and coadjutor of Reggio Emilia in 1795 by Pius VI, he was expelled by French troops. He then exercised a courageous itinerant ministry. In 1800, Pius VII appointed him papal sacristan and titular bishop of Porphyreon. Having become the Pope's confessor, he accompanied him to Paris in 1804 for the coronation of Napoleon I. During the deportation of Pius VII in 1809, Bishop Menochio remained in Rome, refusing to swear an oath to the emperor and supporting persecuted religious communities. He resumed his duties after the Pope's return and died in Rome on March 25, 1823.
Path to Sainthood
The introduction of the cause for beatification of Bishop Menochio and the recognition of his heroic virtues.
The reputation for holiness of Bishop Menochio, already widely spread during his lifetime, led to the opening of his cause for beatification under the pontificate of Pius IX. The informative process was introduced on April 27, 1871. After a long interruption at the beginning of the 20th century, the cause was relaunched in 1990. On May 14, 1991, Pope John Paul II signed the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, thus conferring upon him the title of "Venerable."
Beatification and canonization
The current canonical status of Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio.
Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio currently holds the canonical status of Venerable. The decree regarding the heroic nature of his virtues was signed on May 14, 1991, by Pope John Paul II. His cause for beatification is still ongoing, awaiting the official recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession.
Spirituality and legacy
The Augustinian spirituality of Bishop Menochio and the enduring nature of his spiritual legacy.
The spirituality of Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio is deeply rooted in the Augustinian tradition, characterized by a constant search for God in interiority, a life of intense prayer, and a spirit of penance that he offered for the conversion of sinners. His legacy is that of an intrepid pastor and a servant of absolute fidelity to the successor of Peter in the face of political persecution. His memory remains particularly vivid within the Order of Saint Augustine and in his hometown of Carmagnola. Furthermore, in May 2025, during the election of the Augustinian-born Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A.), the latter chose to wear a pectoral cross containing a relic of the Venerable Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio, thus highlighting the relevance and strength of his testimony of episcopal fidelity.
Frequently asked questions about Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio
Who was Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio?
An Augustinian bishop and confessor to Pope Pius VII, the Venerable Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio demonstrated heroic fidelity to the Church in the face of Napoleonic persecutions.
Which saints were contemporaries of Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio?
Contemporaries include: Venerable Agnes of Jesus, Blessed Mary Anne of Jesus, Saint Alphonsus Liguori and Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus.
When did Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio die?
Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio died around 1741.
Who are the relatives of Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio?
Relatives of Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio: Michele Antonio Menochio (father), Maria Maddalena Dondona (mother), Giovanni Giuseppe Menochio (brother) and Ignazio Menochio (brother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1741-1823
- Decree of venerability by John Paul II