Il Garibaldi dei massoni. La libera muratoria e il mito dell’eroe (1860-1926)

Garibaldi was the most famous exponent of Italian 19th century Freemasonry and he even went on to earn the title of Grand Master. During the last period of heros’s life and after his death, in 1882, Freemasonry was one of the most active subjects in cultivating the memory of Garibaldi. The memory of the hero was celebrated every year with pilgrimages to Caprera, commemorations on June 2, and by deposing wreaths at the foot of statues and memorial stones in honor of the hero. Moreover, between 1882 and 1925, when the fascist regime decreed the dissolution of all Masonic organizations, more than thirty lodges named Garibaldi were established in Italy and abroad. They stressed the fact that Garibaldi represented the perfect embodiment of Masonic ideals: patriotism combined with universal brotherhood, faith in progress and the rejection of all forms of obscurantism, liberty, tolerance, lay spirit and humanitarianism. Thus, while honoring the hero, the commemorations' symbolic impact was also a means to recruit members for the Masonic cause and counter the attacks of its historical enemies, starting from the Catholic Church. This was also the opportunity for Freemasonry to raise its public profile, to demonstrate its strength and to present itself as one of the actors on the national public stage.