17 February 1858 A.D. Waldensians Gain Religious & Civil Rights in Italy
17 February 1858 A.D. Waldensians Gain Religious & Civil Rights in Italy Graves, Dan. “Cause for Waldensian Rejoicing.” Christianity.com. May 2007. http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/cause-for-waldensian-rejoicing-11630509.html . Accessed 16 Jul 2014. In the evening of February 16th each year, jubilant Italians light bonfires on mountainsides in northern Italy. These are a harbinger of joyous worship services and festivities which fill the following day. The Waldenses have reason to be glad. This day, February 17th , marks the anniversary of the day in 1858 when they finally received a guarantee of civil and religious rights. Relief had been long in coming. The Waldensian saga began in 1176. A rich merchant, Peter Waldo, heard the words of Christ to the rich young ruler, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you posses and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." Waldo determ...