Mariano de Roccasale was born June 14, 1778 at Roccacasale in the mountainous region of Abruzzo in Italy in a rural family deeply religious.
From his youth, he lives in the spirit of poverty, in the tradition Franciscan order he joined at age 23, in 1802, the convent of Arisquia, where he remained 12 years.
However, there is not really the environment that suits their aspirations, especially as the troubled times he lived was marked by deletions of religious institutions and persecution. He hears about the Retreat Bellegris where he obtained, from his superiors to be transferred.
There he found the silence and peace of heart. It is therefore closer to the poor and crucified Christ in the person of his fellow human beings.
It remains to Bellegris for forty years as a pastry-brother, in charge of welcoming the poor, pilgrims, travelers. He died May 31, 1866.
