A solemn ceremony formalizing the twinning pact between the municipalities of Agnone (Isernia) and Borgo San Dalmazzo (Cuneo) took place in Agnone, honoring the legacy of Don Raimondo Viale. The priest, recognized for his efforts saving lives during the Shoah, had been confined to Molise after publicly opposing Italy’s entry into World War II from the pulpit while serving as vicar in Borgo.
Agnone Mayor Daniele Saia and Borgo San Dalmazzo Mayor Roberta Robbione signed the pact in the presence of civil and religious authorities. Following the signing, the community of Agnone gathered in Largo Don Raimondo Viale for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
Don Viale, originally from Limone Piemonte (Cuneo), is the priest whose life inspired Nuto Revelli’s novel “Il Prete Giusto” (The Righteous Priest). After returning from his fifteen-month confinement in Molise, he aided Jews fleeing from France to escape Nazi persecution. In 2000, he was consequently honored with the title “Righteous Among the Nations” by Yad Vashem.