Diocese of Isernia-Venafro

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The Italian Catholic diocese of Isernia-Venafro, in Molise, is a suffragan of the archdiocese of Campobasso-Boiano. In 1852 the historic diocese of Isernia was combined with the diocese of Venafro, to form the diocese of Isernia e Venafro.^[1]

[edit] History

After the Lombard invasions Isernia was the seat of a countship, founded by the Duke of Benevento. It was destroyed by the Saracens in the ninth century, and in 1199 was sacked by Marcolvaldo, the vicar of the deceased Emperor Henry VI. In 1805 it was visited by a severe earthquake, which ruined the ancient cathedral.

The epoch of the saintly Bishop Benedict is doubtful, though the existence of the episcopal see in the fifth century is certain.

In 1032 the Diocese of Venafro (formerly the seat of Roman country residences), which had its own bishops from the fifth century, was united to Isernia, and in 1230 it was again separated.