This morning, in the evocative setting of the Basilica of Santa Chiara in Naples, an intense and emotional ceremony took place to pay homage to Vice Brigadier Servant of God Salvo D'Acquisto, Gold Medal for Military Valor, now officially proclaimed Venerable.
An acknowledgement that confirms, even in the collective memory, the incalculable value of his sacrifice, a gesture of love and courage that continues to inspire entire generations.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, accompanied by the Military Ordinary Archbishop for Italy, Monsignor Santo Marcianò. P
present were the Undersecretary of State for Defense, Senator Isabella Rauti, the General Commander of the Carabinieri, General of the Army Corps Salvatore Luongo and civil, military and religious authorities. Also remembering D'Acquisto was the hero's brother.
In the solemn silence of the Basilica, between the naves that guard the history and spirituality of Naples, the memory of the young carabiniere who, on September 23, 1943, without hesitation offered his life to save twenty-two innocent hostages from the Nazi fury, resounded strongly. An act of extraordinary generosity and sense of duty, an immortal example of sacrifice and justice.
The words of Senator Isabella Rauti: “Today Naples bids farewell to one of its sons. We wanted to remember him in his hometown, hoping that he will soon be proclaimed a Saint. He is a hero of collective memory, he served his country, his community. Of the many heroes that history has given us, who were willing to sacrifice their lives for others, Salvo D'Acquisto is truly much loved, not only by the Carabinieri. He is a popular icon”
The General Commander remembered the hero as follows: “We are here to celebrate the greatness of his gesture, accomplished with humility and courage. A gesture that illuminates the path of every carabiniere.
Salvo D'Acquisto, is an example of Christianity that will support us, to always be better men.”
At the end of the celebration, a moment of great emotion accompanied the laying of a laurel wreath at the foot of the monument dedicated to him, in the square that bears his name, a few steps from the Provincial Command of the Carabinieri of Naples. A symbolic gesture, but full of meaning, testifying to how his memory is still alive and deeply rooted in the heart of the city.
The recognition of the venerability of Salvo D'Acquisto is not only a step forward on his path to canonization, but an invitation to everyone: to rediscover the value of sacrifice for the common good, of fidelity to one's ideals and of unconditional love for others. A message that, today more than ever, remains relevant and necessary.
Article published on March 22, 2025 - 16pm
Video Chronicles
Today's event was very significant for the community of Naples, but there are many people who do not know the story of Salvo D'Acquisto. We hope that more will be done to make his sacrifice known to everyone.