Joseph Casartelli came to Manchester in 1834 from Tavernerio near Lake Como. He was a skilled scientific instrument maker and optician who ran a successful business. His more famous son, Louis Charles Casartelli, was born in Cheetham Hill on 14th November 1851. Louis was one of the first students at the Salford Catholic Grammar School begun by Bishop Turner and became fluent in French, German, Italian and Spanish. He went to Ushaw College, Durham, earning his MA degree from London University and the gold medal for Classics. In 1874 he began his studies at the University of Louvain, in Belgium, where he specialised in Oriental languages. He later became a recognized authority on Zoroastrianism. 

Ordained priest by Bishop Vaughan in 1876, he completed his studies at Louvain and in 1877 was appointed professor and Prefect of Studies at St Bede’s College, Manchester. In 1884 he returned to Louvain and became a Doctor of Oriental Literature. Resuming his post at St Bede’s, he succeeded as Rector in 1891.

He lectured in Oriental languages at Louvain and at the University of Manchester. In 1892 he was one of the founders of the Manchester branch of the Catholic Truth Society and took a special interest in its work.

When appointed Bishop of Salford in 1903, he shrank from the post and wrote to the Holy See begging to be excused. His appeal was rejected. As a scholar of international repute, he found the work of administration uncongenial but conscientiously fulfilled his many tasks as bishop. He was always the kind father and patron as he did the round of parishes, schools and convents. He continued to live at St Bede’s, keeping in close touch with his students and their professors.

Bishop Casartelli set out his stall with his first Pastoral Letter entitled ‘The Signs of the Times’, written a month after his consecration. He urged Catholic laymen “to go forth to all the interests of the commonwealth of which we are part”, going on to say that he wanted the laity to play their role “…in matters social, municipal, philanthropic, educational, artistic, literary in which we may use the powers we enjoy”.

In 1906 a Liberal Government, which pledged to abolish voluntary (including Catholic) schools, was returned with a massive majority. Bishop Casartelli formed the Catholic Federation to fight this. In 1908, and with the active encouragement of the bishop, a number of the Federation’s leading lights became the founder members of The Chums Benevolent Association. Two years later, the title was changed to the Catenian Association, now active in Europe, Africa and Australia. 

In a monthly journal, The Federationist, Bishop Casartelli continued to address many questions of public life. He took an active part in civic life and saw Aldermen McCabe and Fox become the first Catholic Lord Mayors of Manchester. He founded the Manchester Dante Society, was President of the Manchester Egyptian Association and the Statistical Society, and supported the Oriental, Geographical, Antiquarian and other Societies. He was elected an Honorary Member of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. His scholarly reputation brought prestige to the whole Catholic body.

Bishop Casartelli died in office at Cathedral House, Salford, on 18th January 1925.