 Marello's mother died on 5 April 1848, and in 1852 his father decided to relocate with his children to San Martino Alfieri, where his paternal grandparents resided.Marello began his studies for the priesthood on 31 October 1856, but his father wished him to continue with his education and take up a career in business.But in December 1863 Giuseppe contracted typhus and promised the Virgin Mary that if he survived he would continue his studies to become a priest.