More Italian Yesterdays

In Short

This collection of essays serves as a historical and devotional chronicle of Italy, connecting the early Christian martyrs to the nineteenth-century papacy. Moving from the lives of monastic founders like Benedict to the charitable work of humble laymen like Giovanni Borgi, the narrative weaves together piety, political upheaval, and personal travelogue. It persists as a testament to the author’s intense devotion to the Roman Catholic tradition and her deep, lifelong affection for the Italian soil, capturing the atmosphere of a changing nation seen through a lens of faith.

The Story

The narrative begins in the early centuries of the Church, drawing focus to the steadfastness of early martyrs like Boniface and Aglaë. From these foundations, the focus shifts to the rise of monasticism, centering on Benedict of Norcia. His retreat into the mountains and the establishment of his order mark the beginning of a spiritual architecture that would define Italy for centuries. This legacy of the cloister is carried forward by Gregory the Great, whose intellect and administrative firmness during times of pestilence and heresy stabilize the Church during one of Rome's most precarious eras.

As the book progresses, the scale shifts from the universal to the intimate. The author explores the history of the Pantheon, viewing it as a symbol of the Church’s continuity, and introduces the figure of Giovanni Borgi, a simple workman whose selfless crusade for the waifs of Rome exemplifies a practical, living faith. This transition from the grand history of the saints to the quiet heroism of everyday Romans provides a bridge to the nineteenth century, where the narrative focuses on the life of Father Mastai, later Pope Pius IX.

His story is one of dramatic personal and political complexity, marked by his youth in a turbulent, post-Napoleonic world, his struggle with epilepsy, and his mission to Chile. The account captures the high-stakes political drama of his time, including his confrontation with the authorities in Savona and his eventual elevation to the papacy. The narrative then broadens its scope to include darker, more violent historical threads—such as the treacherous dynastic struggles of Queen Joan of Naples and the tragic, failed ambitions of Joachim Murat. These accounts of political intrigue and military collapse serve as a sharp contrast to the serene, enduring faith of the saints.

The book concludes by returning to the author’s own observations of the Italian coast and the Adriatic. Here, the history of cities like Ravenna—viewed with a critical, personal eye—blends with the author's reflections on the sea, the landscape, and the "sincere wine" offered by hospitality in the hills. The arc closes on a note of deep, personal connection to the land, affirming the author’s belief that the beauty of the Italian scene remains inextricably linked to the spiritual history that shaped it.

How It Unfolds

The foundation of the spirit The account opens with the early Roman martyrs and the rise of the monastery, detailing how Benedict of Norcia turned his back on the worldly chaos of Rome to find God in the solitude of the wilderness.

The strength of the papacy St. Gregory the Great emerges as a pivotal force, moving from the cloister to the papal chair to combat heresy and manage the physical and spiritual survival of Rome during a devastating pestilence.

The legacy of the poor The focus shifts to the Pantheon and the work of Giovanni Borgi, a laborer who transformed his own modest life into a mission of rescue for the abandoned children of the city.

The transition of an era The biography of Pope Pius IX introduces the nineteenth-century tensions, moving from his early life and travels in South America to his arduous leadership during European revolutions and earthquake disasters.

The shadow of dynastic conflict The narrative pauses to examine the dark, complex machinations of Queen Joan of Naples and the treacherous political maneuvers surrounding the murder of Andrew of Hungary.

The collapse of ambition The story covers the fall of Joachim Murat and the disillusionment of his army, illustrating the final, chaotic shifts of power in a kingdom struggling with its identity and the rise of revolutionary societies like the Carbonari.

A final reflection The book concludes with a meditative look at the Adriatic coast and the author's personal experiences, contrasting the "sinister" ghosts of Byzantine Ravenna with the enduring, quiet hospitality found in the Italian hills.

The People

Benedict of Norcia stands as the primary architect of the monastic life; he is a man of singular purpose who seeks the wilderness to escape the corruption of the world, ultimately inspiring a movement that balances solitude with service. Placidus, his devoted student, represents the early conversion of the noble class and the bridge between the soldier’s life and the contemplative life.

Gregory the Great emerges as a titan of administration and intellect, a man who is equally comfortable quashing theological heresy in Constantinople and tending to the sick in the streets of Rome. He acts as the Church's bulwark, sacrificing his desire for monastic seclusion to steer the papacy through plague and imperial interference.

Giovanni Borgi, the "Tata" or "Daddy John" of the Roman waifs, is the heart of the book’s later chapters. He is a man of modest means but boundless charity, who stands in stark contrast to the politicians and queens. His goal is the protection of Rome's most forsaken children, and he succeeds through sheer force of love and organization.

Pope Pius IX is portrayed as a man tested by both physical ailment and political fire. From his youth in a fractured Italy to his imprisonment in Savona, he is a figure of resilience, defined by his ability to maintain his faith despite the violent upheavals of the nineteenth century. Finally, Queen Joan of Naples appears as a tragic, flawed figure caught in a web of her own making, struggling to maintain her throne and her conscience amidst the predatory influence of figures like Charles of Durazzo.

In Its Own Voice

“He was only fourteen years old, but he knew with certainty that his life was not to lie in the crowded places.”

The author describes the early resolve of Benedict of Norcia as he chooses to leave Rome for the wilderness.

“In the morning he had to let his flock out, promising them some supper if they would come back at nightfall, and exhorting them to be good meanwhile.”

This passage illustrates the daily, humble routine of Giovanni Borgi as he cares for the forsaken children of Rome.

“It was a splendid sight; the weather was superb, the sea like a mirror, the whole coast, as well as the English ships, being turned to gold in the sunset.”

The author recalls the account of an observer during the standoff in Savona, capturing the vivid contrast between the beauty of the landscape and the tension of war.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an exploration of continuity. The author is concerned with how the spiritual legacy of the early Church provides a thread of meaning through the disparate, often chaotic centuries of Italian history. She argues that true power is found not in the shifting alliances of queens or the failed conquests of kings, but in the quiet, persistent acts of charity and the disciplined life of the spirit. The book poses the question of how an individual—whether a saint in a cave or a workman in a palazzo—can maintain his integrity in a world of political transition. It is an argument for the endurance of faith and the sanctity of the Italian landscape as a vessel for that faith.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy travel writing that is as much about the soul as it is about the geography will find much to admire here. The book captures the feeling of walking through a land where every stone and coastline holds a story, offering a rare, deeply personal perspective on Italian history that ignores the dry, academic detachment of typical chronicles. The author writes with an old-world warmth, creating a vivid atmosphere—the smell of rosemary in a country kitchen, the sound of church bells, and the melancholy of ancient ports—that stays with the reader long after the book is closed.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the author’s unapologetically partisan perspective. Her devotion to the Catholic Church is absolute, and she often dismisses historical figures or architectural styles that do not align with her specific theological and aesthetic values. The narrative is also reflective of a period when the structure of the British Empire and the global reach of the Church were accepted constants; her occasional asides regarding colonial geography or the "heresy" of artistic styles might strike some as dated. Nevertheless, for those who value sincere, evocative prose and an immersion into a devoutly traditional view of Italy, the book provides a rich, contemplative experience that feels like a conversation with a passionate and well-traveled guide.