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 the Pontifical Carabinieri (gendarmerie), rising to the rank of colonel-inspector of the force, in which capacity he distinguished himself especially from the organizational and administrative points of view. At the end of 1848, in order not to serve the Republic, he retired into private life, until in July 1849 he resumed service, serving on the Franco-Pontifical Commission charged with reorganizing the army. In recognition of his merits he was appointed deputy minister of Arms on 14 Feb. 1851, pro-minister in August of the same year, and brigadier general on 5 July 1853.
Farina is credited with the merit of reconstituting the Institute of Cadets, a good recruiting school for those under thirty of the various arms, and with having contributed to the formation of excellent cadres of officers, both native and foreign, cadres which were employed by both De Merode and De Lamoricière, as well as by Kanzler. Justly, therefore, Pius IX entrusted him on 5 Dec. 1854 with the entire responsibility for the ministry of Arms, enrolling him in March 1855 among his chamberlains with the cape and sword.