By Arnaldo Mussolini
In my few faculties of mind and spirit, as a measure of simple foresight (and not under the influence of more or less sinister prophecies), I feel the need to fix my precise will because in the event of my death I want those who survive me to know my intentions, my faith and my devotion to them.
First of all, I lift my thoughts to God, the supreme regulator of human life. I wish to die — if possible — in the great comfort of the Catholic religion, which I have always believed in since childhood and which no private or political vicissitude has ever eradicated from my tormented spirit.
Therefore I want a very simple religious funeral, without any pomp or circumstance, flowers or speeches. I ask my colleagues to be moderate with their comments in the obituary. A brief procession would be sufficient. To those close to me I express only the desire to see them when I awake in the next life. I have no preference for the place of burial. If my wife and children stay in Milan then I would like to remain near them, otherwise I would be content with the Mussolini tomb in Romagna, or better yet in Paderno on the hill just outside the cemetery... resting forever among the people of my land, dominating the valley where my hope once flourished.
Politically I reaffirm my Fascist faith and absolute certainty in the destinies of my adorable Fatherland, while deeply regretting having not given my entire life's work to Great Mother Italy. To my brother Benito I give my perpetual devotion and heartfelt wishes for his noble, fervent and selfless work. To my sister Edvige, with her instinctive solidarity among the humble, I give my affection and brotherly wishes with great tenderness.
But above all and above everyone is my heart, my little Augusta, a rare soul of goodness and unparalleled virtue. She accompanied me through my turbulent life, with unequaled dedication. A loving wife and mother, I invoke God's infinite blessings for her and the strength to overcome the sad vicissitudes of life with serenity, with the expectation of finding ourselves reunited in the infinite kingdom of the spirit after our earthly life.
To my dear children Sandrino (Italico), Vito and Rosina — the darlings of my life — I give a father's blessing as someone who worked and hoped and believed in them. I trust that the example of my activities and my selflessness will be a spur and an inspiration in the difficult circumstances of life. I am sure that they will bring undefiled honor to my name and that they will cherish their most worthy mother, showering her with every vigilant care, attention and delicacy.
I leave all my material assets, insurance premium and liquidity premium in their entirety to my wife Augusta Bondanini, who will administer them in the name and interest of our three children who, upon the death of their mother, will equally divide the movable and immovable property. I wish to donate my journalists' insurance to the Social Security Institute. Any other charity I leave to the discretion of my loved ones.
I humbly ask forgiveness if I unconsciously hurt anyone, or if I have transgressed divine and human laws. I entrust my name and my memory to my family and I entrust my soul to the mercy of God.
Arnaldo Mussolini
Supplement
Today, December 10, 1930, having re-read my testament, I do not find a need for any substantial changes. The death of my dear Sandrino gives me a desperate anguish. He must be buried near my mortal remains, since I have a firm faith that he will be near me in the kingdom of God. I have arranged that his share of the inheritance be distributed to charitable works. His holy memory will survive in those good works; his name and his holy memory will constantly be renewed.
God help us.
Arnaldo Mussolini
