Leonardo Murialdo was born in Turin on 26^th October 1828. Leonardo was part of a large family and was the sixth of 9 children, but his father died early in Leonardo's childhood. His mother sent Leonardo to a boarding school in Savona and was there from 1836 to 1843.

When he returned to Turin, he attended Theology courses at the university, before becoming a priest in 1851. Don Murialdo wanted to help with the issues that were affecting the young people in Turin. So, he collaborated with Don Bosco and Don Cafasso. Don Murialdo was firstly helping at the Guardian angel oratory, before accepting Don Bosco's invitation of becoming director of the Oratory of St Aloysius at Port Nuova.

After a short time in Paris, to further his theological studies, he once again returned to Turin, and took charge of the Artigianelli Boarding School. It was during his time here that he established the Congregation of Saint Joseph, now known as the Congregation of St. Joseph/Josephites of Murialdo. The aim of this congregation was to support apprentices and people in trades.

In 1885, Don Murialdo suffered from serious bronchitis for about 6 weeks. Don Bosco visited and blessed him during this time. Don Murialdo lived through it and lived until the 30^th March 1900 due to pneumonia.

Leonardo Murialdo was beautified by Pope Paul VI on 3^rd November 1963, and then canonised him on 3^rd May 1970.