A bright mind, Bartolo pursued his education at a time when many intellectuals were critical or outright opposed to Catholicism. Soon after arriving at university, Bartolo left the faith of his childhood and sought out spirituality in the form of psychics and the occult. He quickly became engulfed in this ideology and was made a Satanic priest.
Associating with demons and confusing good with evil took a toll on Bartolo’s formerly bright mind. He began suffering physically and psychologically, but would not listen to the concerns and pleas of his family and friends until they enlisted the help of Professor Pepe, one of the few Catholic teachers whom Bartolo respected. He convinced Bartolo to recognize the tremendous harm he was inflicting on his own mind and body. By the grace of God, Bartolo’s heart was softened, and he agreed to meet with a Dominican friar who answered his many questions and counseled him for three weeks and heard his confession, restoring his union with God and beginning a new chapter in his life.
Despite believing fully in the power of God, Bartolo was plagued with guilt over his past life. In addition to rigorous prayer, Bartolo gave himself several penances, but was still concerned that it was not enough. One day, in a moment of especially intense distress, Bartolo was reminded of a promise from Our Lady. “One who propagates my Rosary shall be saved.” Bartolo fell to his knees and promised to spread devotion to the Rosary for the rest of his life.
True to his promise, he built the Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Pompeii along with several schools, orphanages, a print shop, and a technical school specifically focused on giving the children of criminals the chance to pursue a profession. He wrote and spoke about the rosary at every opportunity and is responsible for creating the Luminous Mysteries that Saint John Paul II added later.
His canonization in October 2025 was proof of the power God grants to Our Lady to protect her children.