He is famous for his work with Italian communities in North and South America. At the age of 36 he was made bishop of Piacenza. He proved to be a tireless and dedicated pastoral bishop. He made many visitations to the 365 parishes under his care, half of which could be reached only on foot or on a mule back. He worked to remove superstition and restore the Eucharist to a central position dedicating two hundred churches in the process.


Wherever he went he administered the sacraments. His charity was both abundant and discreet. He ministered to victims of cholera, visited the sick and prisoners. He founded an institute for those with hearing and speaking difficulties. He organised protection for the young women working in the rice fields who were often subject to sexual as well as economic exploitation. In short he was an all rounder.