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Son of a druggist. His parents
encouraged his vocation of a parish priest. Ordained in 1767. Joined the
Passionists in 1768 after a retreat led by Saint Paul of the Cross.
Professor of theology. Passionist provincial in 1781. Bishop of Macerata
and Tolentino in 1801. Exiled in 1808 for refusing to take an oath of
allegiance to Napoleon, but returned in 1813 after Napoleon's downfall.
Saved Macerta from being sacked by Murat's troops. Instituted reforms
throughout his diocese, ending such corruption that he received death
threats. Indefatigable missioner and preacher. Worked with and for his
people in during a typhus epidemic. On the death of Pope Pius VII, he
resigned his see to become an advisor to Pope Leo XII.
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