At the age of eighteen he commenced his studies for the priesthood in Aversa on the recommendation of Bishop Agostino Tommasi who had been impressed with his zeal and his devotion to religious life.

He continued with his studies even after the death of his benefactor Tommasi in 1821 and was later clothed in the Franciscan habit for the first time in Grumo Nevano in 1822.

[2] Mazzarella was also a friend of Pope Pius IX and he was also a collaborator of Cardinal Sisto Riario Sforza and King Ferdinand II.

[5] The beatification process commenced under Pope Leo XIII on 11 March 1891, granting Mazzarella the title of Servant of God.

He was declared to be Venerable on 9 June 1983 after Pope John Paul II recognized that he had lived a model Christian life of heroic virtue.