translating 1847 Royal decree

[nrepole]

Hi all
Just interested in the second decree in attached (concerning the small town of Rapone in Basilicata).
Please translate or explain it for me...I believe it relates to a donation to orphaned children of the town
but am not certain. If so, was this common at the time???
P.S.Getting very interested in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies...not talked about much, but for descendents of those who lived in Southern Italy (and had to leave) it is very relevant.

Regards
Nick

[PippoM]

Yes, Anna Maria Luongo left something by testament for the orphaned girls of Rapone.
At that time, a dowry was needed for women to marry. Orphaned girls were usually poor, did not have any dowry, and were helped by such donations.
And yes, it was common that well-off people left part, or all of their possessions to the Church or for charity works

[nrepole]

Thanks so much PippoM for the great information!!
It's nice to see evidence of a good 'community spirit' existing amongst
the people at that time. We always hear about how the wealthy mistreated
the have-nots but, in this case, a very good deed was done.

Regards
Nick