I “frutti” della conversione. Per la storia della Casa dei Catecumeni di Reggio Emilia

Approximately in 1630 the testament of a nobleman of Reggio, Alberto Scaioli, established that 50 “ducatoni” should be allotted for the foundation of a House of Cathecumens. The executor designed by Scaioli was a brotherhood – the “Confraternita della Misericordia” – indirectly ruled by diocesan authorities (bishop and canons). The Old Community of Reggio tried to treat with the brotherhood to obtain a cooperation in the administration of the House. But the conversion of Jews was not the first aim of the Community: in fact many other citizens intended to bequeath economic helps to cathecumens and baptized Jews and the administration of those capitals could become a profitable business. The “Misericordia” opposed the foundation of the House in cooperation with the Community and the mediation of the capuchin Giambattista from Modena (till to 1629 sovereign of Este Dukedom with the name of Alfonso III) was unsuccessful. After exhausting negotiations the duke Francesco I took the helm of the House and in 1633 the “Pio Luogo dei Catecumeni” could begin its activity.