After becoming a priest in 1833, he dedicated himself to teaching.

What made him truly remarkable was his love for prisoners. He spent countless hours visiting jails, comforting inmates, and preparing those sentenced to death to meet God with hope and peace. Because of this, people affectionately called him “The Priest of the Gallows.”

St. Joseph Cafasso also played a crucial role in the life of Saint John Bosco. He guided and encouraged Don Bosco’s mission to help poor and abandoned boys.

St. Joseph Cafasso lived a life of deep faith and selfless service until his death on 23 June 1860, in Turin, Italy. He was later canonised and is now honoured as the patron saint of prisoners, prison chaplains, captives, and those who are imprisoned.