The father of Mother Maddalena, Domenico Bentivoglio, was a soldier of the old school. He was chivalrous and brave, protecting women and children, yet ruthless when in battle. He was seriously wounded on a number of occasions.   In March of 1831, the city of Rieti was under siege, with Colonel Bentivoglio commanding 200 soldiers and the citizens of that city who were up against a force of 3000 revolutionaries. In a scene worthy of The Lord of the Rings, the enemy commander challenged Bentivoglio to surrender:

I should like to believe that you will consent to avoid the useless shedding of blood… I allow you a half hour to surrender unconditionally, and I warn you, that if you force me to open fire, I will thereafter give no quarter.

 Despite the time limit set by the revolutionary general, the commander of the little garrison sent his reply only on the following morning:

I hasten to answer your communication of yesterday, to inform you that in this city I have as apostolic delegate and that I stand under his authority. I assume that he will no more swerve from the path of duty of an honest man than will those whom I command and that he will not recoil from the shedding of blood in defense of the rights of our legitimate   sovereign, the Holy Father. I await you to give me the opportunity of proving this to you in an effective manner.  

                To this intent, believe me your very devoted servant,            
                                                                      Domenico Bentivoglio,           
                                            Lieutenant Colonel,  Rieti, March 8, I831. 

The enemy immediately opened fire. The battle lasted the most of the day, till the revolutionaries retreated in defeat with great losses.