Samuel Mazzuchelli was born in Milan in 1806, into an intellectual family. In his youth he felt a calling
missionary work and joined the Order of Preachers in 1823. After the novitiate, he was sent at just 22
to the United States at the age of 18 to serve Native Americans and new immigrants.
He operated in the Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa regions, learning local languages ​​and establishing dozens of
parishes, churches and schools. In addition, he was a teacher, translator and architect who designed several
prominent churches, including St. Augustine Cathedral in Dubuque.
Mazzuchelli defended the rights of natives and immigrants and promoted education by translating liturgical
texts in the native language of the local people. Due to his modesty, he refused the episcopal office and remained
faithful to the simple missionary life.
He died in 1864 in Benton, Wisconsin.
In 1993, Pope John Paul II beatified him.