At the Church of St. Joseph the Worker in Isernia, a commemorative and cultural event on “The Events of Isernia in 1860” was held, with the participation of various associations linked to the Two Sicilies (Fondazione Il Giglio, the Neapolitan Academy of Historical Studies, the 1st Re Regiment), coordinated by the Molise Delegation of the Constantinian Order of St. George. A small exhibition of Bourbon-era relics from the collection of Alessandro of Pescolanciano was also set up.
The event began with a parade of the soldiers of the aforementioned Re Regiment and the Constantinian knights, carrying their respective standards toward the church altar to pay tribute to the fallen citizens of Isernia from this revolt, followed by a prayer and blessing by the local parish priest. The parade concluded with the “fusiliers” firing a blank volley.
Subsequently, the conference opened with presentations by Marina Carrese (Fondazione Il Giglio) and Giancarlo Rinaldi (Neapolitan Academy of Historical Studies), emphasizing the need for the territories of the former Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to preserve the historical memory of their identity values, for which many people sacrificed their lives, as well as to spread certain truths about events concealed by official Risorgimento historiography.
The Delegate, Duke Don Ettore d’Alessandro of Pescolanciano, thanked all participants for their significant contribution in making the day an unforgettable moment for national history. He also presented certain family documents concerning his ancestor Duke Giovanni Maria, a Gentleman of the Chamber in service, who was among the protagonists of the aforementioned revolt.
Professor Carmela Spadaro (University Federico II of Naples) provided a detailed account of the violent actions by Garibaldian forces against the local population, who remained loyal to their King and his symbols. It was highlighted that these repressive actions were consistently downplayed by the liberal press propaganda of the time and later during the Kingdom of Italy.
Similar silence surrounded certain legitimist battalions that fought heroically in the Isernia area, achieving a decisive victory over Garibaldi’s occupying troops. Don Giuliano Lilli, on the other hand, pointed out how the provisional Garibaldian government showed little tolerance and acted harshly against local religious figures considered reactionary, as in the case of Bishop Saladino, who was brutally beaten along with other prelates.
Furthermore, summary trials were conducted against these insurgents, lacking legitimacy from a judiciary of a not yet fully established state. Historian Franco Valente finally presented portraits and artworks commissioned by the Bishop of Isernia.
Thus, the square of Isernia, like Gaeta, Capua, and Civitella del Tronto, is set to become a future meeting point for further study and reflection on this “counter-history.” The Molise Delegate of the Constantinian Order, Duke d’Alessandro, with the support of secretary Lieutenant Giuseppe D’Amico, presented certificates of appreciation and commemorative gifts to all participants.
Several confreres were present, including Dame of Justice Brunella Murolo, Knight of Grace Vice Delegate Giulio de Jorio Frisari, Knight of Grace Alessandro d’Alessandro, and Knights Marco Laureti, Marino Tuso, Luigi Zappone, Michele Tartaglia, and other Campanian knights. Among the audience were scholars such as Giovanni Pedio, Lino Padula, and Giuseppe Magnetta.
