San Giacomo Roncole
The Massacre of San Giacomo Roncole
The Massacre of San Giacomo Roncole is one of the most brutal Nazi-fascist massacres committed in the territory of low Modena. The massacre took place on September 30, 1944, when six Catholic partisans of the Brigata Italia were killed in retaliation for the killing of two German soldiers.
Background
At the end of September 1944, the Nazi-fascists were trying to eliminate the Emilian partisans in anticipation of the general insurrection for the liberation of Emilia. Unfortunately, the denunciation under torture of the former partisan courier Walter Tassi led to the arrest of some Catholic partisans belonging to the Brigata Italia. After undergoing incessant torture and interrogation, the prisoners were transferred to the headquarters of the fascist party in Mirandola, where the carpigiano Giuseppe Campana was also added to the group.
The Massacre
The massacre was carried out on September 30, 1944 by the Black Brigade of Mirandola, led by Antonio Nespoli and Vincenzo Falanga. The six hostages held in the headquarters were taken and brought to San Giacomo Roncole, where they were hanged in front of the church and the so-called "casinone". The location was not chosen by chance, as it was a symbol of the Modenese Catholic resistance.
The Mayor of Mirandola, Alberto Paltrinieri, protested in vain against the reprisal. This reprisal was made for demonstration purposes, to intimidate the population and to give a strong signal to the resistance.
The Victims
The six victims of the massacre of San Giacomo Roncole were Catholic partisans of the Brigata Italia. They were named Enea Zanoli "Spartaco" and Luciano Minelli from Modena, the teacher Alfeo Martini, Adriano Barbieri from Medolla, Nives Barbieri "Massa" from San Giacomo Roncole and Giuseppe Campana from Correggio.
The Memory
The Massacre of San Giacomo Roncole is a sad memory of a past that should not be forgotten. Today, the memory of the six victims is still alive thanks to the initiatives of anti-fascist and Catholic associations.
The town of San Giacomo Roncole also hosts a memorial, wanted by the Opera dei Piccoli Apostoli, which remembers the massacre and the figure of don Zeno Saltini.
In addition, every year a mass is celebrated in memory of the victims at the Church of San Giacomo, where they were hanged. This celebration is a moment of reflection and unity to remember the sad past and to look forward with hope.
Conclusions
The Massacre of San Giacomo Roncole is still alive in the collective memory of the Modenese community. The Nazi-fascist massacres are a sad episode in our history, but thanks to the memory of the victims and the struggle of the anti-fascists, we can look to the future with hope and continue to fight for the values of freedom and justice.
