Msgr. Joseph Benaglio

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Msgr. Joseph Benaglio

Joseph Benaglio was born in Bergamo on 22nd November 1767, Ordained a priest in September 1790, at the age of twenty-two. He is the co founder of the Institute of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus together with Saint Teresa Verzeri.

He had a jovial, cheerful character. He devoted himself to prayer. He loved solitary life, but a “very industrious” solitude: in solitude he studied, prayed, wrote, reviving the fire of charity in his heart.

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Joseph Benaglio held many positions of great responsibility in the Diocese. He was Rector of the Seminary and Vicar General, canon of the theologians of the cathedral, jurist, director of monasteries, confessor and spiritual director.

Together with the Canon Marco Celio Passi he was also spiritual director of Maria Antonia Grumelli (1741-1807), that great figure of mystic nun of the second half of the eighteenth century, reformer of the monastery of Santa Chiara in Bergamo and founder of the Apostolic College (since 1909 “priests of the Sacred Heart “), which played a decisive role on the level of the spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Inspired by the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and with deep desire to spread the fragrance of it, he became a co founder of the Institute of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His earthly life ended on 18th January 1836.

Msgr. Joseph Benaglio: Life Story

Early Life and Formation

Joseph Benaglio was born into the noble family of Count Antonio di Sanguineto and Caterina Ginammi—one of Bergamo’s oldest and most respected lineages, renowned for its learning, public service, and piety. Ordained a priest in September 1790 at the age of twenty-two, he was soon appointed Canon of the Bergamo Chapter.
At that time, the Chapter included many distinguished figures of virtue and knowledge—such as Mozzi, Tomini, and Passi—with whom he cultivated sincere friendships and fruitful collaboration. Naturally cheerful and sociable, Benaglio combined intellectual depth with a disposition inclined toward kindness and friendship, qualities that would mark both his ministry and personal life.

Saintly and Learned Figure

The Annals of the Institute of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus describe Monsignor Benaglio as a man whose very appearance spoke of holiness:
“Whoever gazes upon the image of the venerable servant of God is struck by the imprint of recollection, penance, prayer, and a life more heavenly than earthly, reflected in his features and bearing; and one cannot help but exclaim, ‘This is a saint!’”
Those who study his life through tradition, historical records, and early biographies are amazed by his elevated mind, profound doctrine, and tireless work. He was a theologian of distinction, a doctor of deep faith, and an apostle of devotion. Yet, beyond his intellect and learning, his greatest virtue lay in his gentleness and pastoral heart—a tenderness that expressed itself most vividly in his letters and daily dealings with others.

Fatherly Spirit in Words

Benaglio’s letters reveal a soul both devout and delightfully human. Alongside his spiritual exhortations, his words carry warmth, humor, and affection. He visited the young women of his congregation, accepted their small gifts with gratitude, and responded with gentle playfulness. To one of them he wrote: “I thank you for the clove sweets—excellent for the stomach! They were dear to me, but I wish I had more—not clove sweets, but head sweets. Send those, not to me, but to your God. When your mind begins to wander, contradict yourself and banish such thoughts—these are the sweets that please the Lord.”
Through such words shines a man of wisdom and joy—a priest both holy and humane, whose tenderness made his sanctity approachable and deeply beloved. His earthly life ended on 18th January 1836.