Naples – An event that shook consciences and defined an era: that of Father Giuseppe Rassello, the "priest in jeans" who left an indelible mark on the Sanità district of Naples.
His story is told in the new book by journalist Giuliana Covella, Apri gli occhi – Storia di padre Giuseppe Rassello, un prete inconvenienta alla Sanità, published by Guida Editori and enriched by a preface by Roberto Saviano.
The book will be presented tomorrow, Thursday, September 18, at 6:00 pm, at the Vincenziano Monumental Complex, at Via Vergini 51, in the heart of the Sanità district. The story of Father Rassello, a priest originally from Procida, exploded on June 2, 1990, when he was arrested in the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità , immediately after celebrating a wedding, on charges of abusing a 14-year-old boy.
A case that, according to the author, was overwhelmed by media pillorying, without the necessary depth. Through court documents, rulings, testimonies, and parliamentary questions, Covella reconstructs a complex story, full of light and shadow, challenging simplistic narratives. The book pays homage to a parish priest who, despite the accusations, is remembered by many as an enlightened figure, capable of sowing the seeds for the cultural and artistic rebirth of the Rione Sanità, now a destination for tourists from around the world.
“The book you are about to read is one of those rare gifts that, fortunately, Italian journalism still manages to provide every now and then,” writes Roberto Saviano in the preface, defining the Rassello affair as “a laboratory for everything that would happen in the decades to come.” A case that, as the author emphasizes, invites reflection and not to stop at appearances.
The presentation event will feature Gaetano Panico, secretary of UGL Napoli, who will deliver the opening greetings, along with Iris Savastano, Forza Italia city councilor, Gabriele Esposito, vice president of the Naples Bar Association, Vincenzo Pirozzi, actor and director, and Don Luigi Merola, president of the A Voce d' 'e creature Foundation.
Journalist Taisia Raio will moderate the meeting. It's an opportunity to reopen a controversial chapter in history, one that continues to spark discussion, and to explore the legacy of a priest who, amidst accusations and accolades, shaped the fate of a neighborhood and the people who knew him.
Father Rassello's story is very interesting and makes one think about how society reacts to certain situations. However, I wonder if the book can truly clarify all the ambiguities and unanswered questions surrounding this story.