FARINA, FILIPPO. - Pontifical general and Minister of Arms, b. at Ronciglione (Viterbo) in 1795, d. at Rome on 9 July 1857. On 27 Oct. 1816 he entered the corps of pontifical carabinieri (gendarmerie), attaining the rank of colonel inspector of the force, and distinguishing himself greatly, especially from the organizational and administrative standpoint. At the end of 1848, rather than serve the Republic, he withdrew into private life, until in July 1849 he returned to service, becoming a member of the Franco-pontifical Commission charged with reorganizing the army. For his merits he was appointed deputy Minister of Arms on 14 Feb. 1851, pro-minister in Aug. of the same year, and brigadier general on 5 July 1853.
F. deserves credit for the re-establishment of the Cadet Institute, an excellent school for the recruitment of second lieutenants for the various branches of the service, and for having contributed to the formation of excellent cadres of officers, both native and foreign, cadres employed by De Merode and De Lamoricière as well as by Kanzler. With good reason, therefore, Pio IX entrusted him, on 1 Dec. 1854, with full responsibility for the Ministry of Arms, enrolling him in March 1855 among his secret chamberlains of cape and sword.