The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George Delegation of Great Britain and Ireland

New Conservative Party Leader sends congratulatory message to Order on the occasion of the Delegation's 200 th anniversary. London - November 2003.

In a message addressed to British and Irish Delegate, Anthony Bailey, the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, The Rt Hon Michael Howard, QC, MP, (left) said "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to express my support of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and the Royal Order of Francis I and to pay tribute to the important humanitarian, hospitaller and charitable work it undertakes across Britain.

Their dedication to fostering understanding between religious groups and their continued work in humanitarian and hospitaller services provides a great example, not only to the people of Britain and Ireland but to communities all over the globe.

The work of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George is an inspiration to everyone regardless of their social group and plays an important part in creating a unified society that considers friendship and respect, on every level, as a priority of life.

I send my utmost respect to all the members of the order and thank them for their work, which I hope will continue for generations to come"
Mr Howard concluded.

Cardinal Pompedda and The Duke and Duchess of Calabria visit the Tyburn Shrine and Convent. London - November 2003.

The Cardinal Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, accompanied by The Duke and Duchess of Calabria visited the Tyburn Shrine and Covent in Central London.

Cardinal Pompedda celebrated mass in honour of Saint George in the chapel of the convent, which is home to the Tyburn nuns of the Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Montmartre and the Order of St Benedict.

The Tyburn Shrine was built 100 years ago on the site. The nuns pray day and night before the Blessed Sacrament to honour the 105 Catholic martyrs who suffered and died for their faith on the scaffold of the Tyburn Tree

between 1535 and 1681.

The British and Irish Delegation has adopted the Shrine as one of its fundraising initiatives for 2004 and have already made a donation. Delegate Anthony Bailey and Vice-Delegate Senator Donal Lydon were among the many who attended this important occasion.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State is Guest Speaker at British and Irish Delegation's Annual Dinner. London - November 2003.

Following the 2003 investiture ceremony at Westminster Cathedral, a white tie dinner for 200 personalities was held at the Gladstone Library, 1 Whitehall Place, London SW1. The Guest of Honour was the Cardinal Grand Prior of the Order, Cardinal Pompedda and TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria. British and Irish Delegate H.E. Anthony Bailey hosted the event.

The Guest Speaker was The Rt Hon Paul Murphy, MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who was formally introduced by the former 9/11 Commissioner of Police and US Interim Minister of Interior in Iraq, Bernard Kerik, CBE.

Among the others attending were over 20 Ambassadors accredited to the Court of St James's and Ireland, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Lord Alderdice, Home Office Minister Baroness Scotland, Monsignor Mark Langham of Westminster Cathedral, Sheikh Zaki Badawi of the Muslim College, Greek Orthodox Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain, The Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster, former Chief of the Defence Staff General Lord Guthrie, Lord Denman, Baroness Scott of Needham Market, Lord Lamont of Lerwick, and many knights and dames from the British and Irish delegation.

The Band of the Blues and Royals and Household Trumpeters performed the music throughout the evening.

Westminster Cathedral hosts Investiture Ceremony of new knights and dames. London - November 2003.

Westminster Cathedral in London played host to a multi-faith investiture ceremony of leading religious, state and lay personalities into the internationally recognised and ancient Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and the Royal Order of Francis I.

The ceremony of investiture into these two Catholic Order of Knighthoods, took place on Friday 14 November 2003. The ceremony will be conducted for the first time by the Order's Grand Prior, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Segnatura, President of the Court of Cassation of the Vatican City State and Ecclesiastical Counsellor of Pope John Paul II to the Order.

His Eminence Cormac, Cardinal Murphy O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster and Prior of the Order's British and Irish Delegation, the Order's Grand Prefect, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, and British and Irish Delegate, His Excellency Mr Anthony Bailey, presided over the hour long ceremony which was followed by Vespers.

Among those being decreed or invested and recognised for their work and support for the Order's humanitarian, hospitaller, charitable and inter-church and inter-faith activities include Greek Orthodox Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain, The Duke of Westminster, Baroness Thatcher, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy, MP, Home Office Minister Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC (below right), former Chief of the Defence Staff General Lord Guthrie, leading inter-faith figure Professor Nasser David Khalili, Nadhmi Auchi, Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Belmahi, Irish Ambassador Dáithí O'Ceallaigh, former HM Governor of Gibraltar Sir David Durie and Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Raymond Field (below right).

British and Irish Delegate, H.E. Mr Anthony Bailey commented: " 2003 marks a series of important anniversaries and milestones for our Orders of Knighthoods. This includes the 1700 th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint George, Patron Saint of England , and the Order, and over 200 years of our knights and dames existing in Britain and Ireland . I am delighted that for the first time in our Delegation history that these anniversaries will be marked by the presence of the Order's Grand Prior, Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, together with Cormac, Cardinal Murphy O'Connor. I am delighted also that the Grand Prefect, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria , will also be with us.

"2003 also marks the investiture of numerous religious, state and lay personalities into our Order. Each of them, in their own special way, have met the high ideals and requirements of our ancient and internationally recognised Orders. They have all committed themselves to the heavy responsibility of humanitarian, hospitaller and charitable initiatives. All are committed to the promotion and defence of the Roman Catholic Faith, or play an important role in furthering greater inter-church and inter-faith dialogue and understanding.

"I am particularly pleased that eminent figures such as Dr Rowan Williams, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, and Greek Orthodox Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain (right), are among them and herald a new level of co-operation between our Order and the Anglican and Orthodox churches. I also welcome the investiture of H.E. Mr Mohammed Belmahi, Ambassador of HM The King of Morocco to the Court of St James's, who is not only personally dedicated to interfaith dialogue, but represents to Court of St James's a progressive monarch, King Mohammed VI and his Government have, over such a long period of time, committed themselves to this important work.

"I am delighted that Professor Nasser David Khalili (left), who works tirelessly to encourage dialogue among Muslims and Jews, and Nadhmi Auchi, who founded the Anglo-Arab Organisation which encourages dialogue between Britain and the Arab World, are being honoured. I am also pleased that Baroness Thatcher and The Duke of Westminster are being recognised for their lifetime civil achievements at a national and regional level.

"From the Catholic community, the Order is pleased to be honouring such important figures as Northern Ireland Secretary of State, The Rt Hon Paul Murphy, MP, for his efforts to bring peace to the divide communities of the province, General Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank and Lady Guthrie (right), for their work for the Archdiocese of Westminster and the Order's adopted charity, The Passage Homeless Centre", Delegate Anthony Bailey concluded.

Lord Archbishop of Canterbury invested into the Royal Order of Francis I. London - November 2003.

The Cardinal Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Calabria, paid a courtesy call of His Grace The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Rowan Williams, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, at Lambeth Palace in central London. Delegate Anthony Bailey and Vice-Delegate and Chancellor Senator Donal Lydon attended.

During the one-hour meeting, the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury was invested as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I in recognition of his inter-church and inter-faith activities in Great Britain and around the world.

Cardinal Pompedda, recalling the Archbishop of Canterbury’s recent visit to Pope John Paul II, stated that His Grace was the first ever Anglican Primate to receive the award and that he merited special recognition for his lifetime work to achieve greater religious understanding..

It is expected that the British and Irish Delegation of the Constantinian Order, together with the Church of England, will launch a joint initiative aimed at furthering Catholic-Protestant relations.

Cardinal Pompedda visits the Houses of Parliament hosted by Lord Brennan and receives formal welcome addresses and parliamentary motions. London - November 2003.

Cardinal Pompedda accompanied by British and Irish Delegate Anthony Bailey, visited the Houses of Parliament and attended a lunch hosted by Lord Brennan, President of the Catholic Union of Great Britain and Delegation Council Member. Numerous Parliamentarians from both the House of Commons and House of Lords attended. Lt Gen Sir Michael Willcocks, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod also attended and brought His Eminence on a tour of the Palace of Westminster .

During the visit, a copy of a House of Commons Early Day Motion (read article) endorsed by Members of Parliament formally welcoming Cardinal Pompedda to London and supporting the work of the Constantinian Order in Britain , was presented to him. A similar formal welcome address by members of the House of Lords was presented to him (read message).

Cardinal Pompedda visits The Passage Homeless Centre' and attends its ' a night under the stars' charity gala. London - November 2003.

His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order, paid a visit to The Passage Homeless Centre in Central London . The Centre is one of the adopted charities of the British and Irish delegation and is headed by its Director, Sister Ellen Flynn - a Dame of Merit of the Constantinian Order.

During the visit His Eminence, accompanied by British and Irish Delegate, Anthony Bailey, and Vice-Delegate and Chancellor, Senator Donal Lydon, toured the impressive facilities of the centre and met with members of the staff running the centre.

The Cardinal Grand Prior endorsed the decision of the British and Irish delegation to maintain the adoption of the centre for a further year of fundraising.

During the evening, Cardinal Pompedda, accompanied by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, attended as Guest of Honour the Passage Homeless Centre's major fundraising concert, 'a night under the stars' at Methodist Centre Hall. The Duke and Duchess of Norfolk and other leading state and society figures attended. Cardinal Pompedda also attended a reception at The Banqueting House of the Palace of Whitehall at which many Delegation knights and dames were present.

Liberal Democrat Leader sends congratulatory message to the Order on the occasion of the Delegation's 200th anniversary. London - November 2003.

Liberal Democrat Leader, The Rt Hon Charles Kennedy, MP, commented: "I am very pleased to be able to convey my support for the work of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the British and Irish Delegation.

The Constantinian Order is internationally recognised for the humanitarian and charitable projects in which it is involved, as well as for the important role it plays in promoting and nurturing friendship and mutual respect between the many different faith communities in the United Kingdom and around the world. I believe passionately that diversity is a source of strength in our society and the work of the Order in celebrating that diversity is enormously important.

Thank you for the tireless efforts you have made over so many years to help others. I send you every good wish for your continuing endeavours".

Lord Archbishop of Canterbury sends message of congratulations on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the British and Irish Delegation. London - November 2003.

His Grace The Right Honourable and Right Reverend Dr Rowan Williams, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, said in encouraging our knights and dames to continue their important charitable and inter-faith work: "I am delighted to send my greetings to the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and the Royal Order of Francis I on the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the British and Irish Delegation.

The tradition of humanitarian and hospitaller service, and in more recent times the fostering of dialogue between faiths, are important responses to the continuing needs in the world. I am glad to see that the chivalric tradition continues to inspire people in many countries to work for the relief of the needy, the protection of the weak, and the good of all.

I trust that the Delegation’s celebrations will be a great occasion, and will encourage its members to continue this important charitable work".

The Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks sends congratulatory message to the British and Irish Delegation on the occasion of the Delegation's 200th anniversary. London - November 2003.

The Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks said: "The charitable work of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and the Royal Order of Francis I is much to be admired. What is less well known, but no less admirable is their work in promoting understanding between the diverse religious groups on a national and global basis.

I am deeply touched that the award to Professor Khalili celebrating his major contribution to inter-faith dialogue makes him the first Jew to be made a Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Francis I. This is a great honour for him and the Jewish Community.

I send my blessings to the Order and hope that its dedication to charitable causes will inspire other".

British Prime Minister sends message of support on the occasion of its 200th birthday. London - October 2003.

In his message, British Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Tony Blair, MP, remarked: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to pay tribute to the work of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the British and Irish Delegation.

The aims of the Order - humanitarian and hospitaller assistance, and fostering dialogue and understanding between Christians, Muslims and Jews in the United Kingdom and abroad - are supported by the Government and, I believe, are an integral part to strengthening cohesion between our communities.

I am proud that Britain is a country of many faiths and many cultures and that this diversity is seen by the overwhelming majority of decent people as one of our country’s strengths.

The Constantinian Order plays an important role in celebrating and recognising this diversity, and promoting valuable philanthropy and educational endeavour. Thank you for the important work that you are doing and will continue to do in the future."

Cardinal Grand Prior to pay first ever visit to the British and Irish Delegation. London - July 2003.

His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Segnatura, President of the Court of Cassation of the Vatican City State and Ecclesiastical Counsellor of Pope John Paul II to the Order, will pay a visit to London as a guest of the Delegation from 12-16 November 2003. This will be the visit ever visit by a Cardinal Grand Prior of the Order to the British and Irish Delegation. His Eminence will preside over the 2003 investiture of new knights and dames at Westminster and undertake a series of other church and official engagements on behalf of the Delegation. Here follows a biography of His Eminence:

Cardinal Pompedda was born on 18 April in 1929, Ozieri, Sardinia , Italy . Education . Archiepiscopal Seminary of Sassari, Sassari; Regional Seminary of Cagliari, Cagliari (philosophy); Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (doctorate in theology); Pontifical Biblical Institute (licentiate in sacred scripture); Pontifical Lateran University, Rome (doctorate in "in utroque iure"); "Studium" of the Sacred Roman Rota, Rome (lawyer "rotale").

Priesthood . Ordained, 23 December 1951, Rome . Pastoral work for 30 years in the Roman parish of "Nostra Signora di Guadalupe a Monte Mario". Ecclesiastical Counsellor of the Roman Union of Catholic Jurists. Joined the Tribunal of the Sacred Roman Rota, 1955; defender of the matrimonial bond; prelate auditor 8 May 1969; dean, 11 September 1993. President of the Apellate Court of the State of Vatican City , November 1993. Awarded honorary doctorate by the Faculty of Canon Law, Catholic Institute of Paris , October 1995. Ecclesiastical Counsellor of the International Union of Catholic Jurists. For more than 20 years was a faculty member of the "Studio Rotale"; also taught at the Faculty of Canon Law, Pontifical Gregorian University and at the Roman Athenaeum of the "Santa Croce".

Episcopate . Elected titular archbishop of Bisarcio, 29 November 1997. Consecrated, 6 January 1998, Vatican City , by Pope John Paul II. Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Segnatura and President of the Cassation Court of the State of Vatican City , 16 November 1999. President of the Commission for the Advocates ad quinquennium , 7 March 2000.

Cardinalate . Created cardinal deacon, 21 February 2001; received the red biretta and the deaconry of Annunciazione della B.V.M. a Via Ardeatina, 21 February 21, 2001. Attended X Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City , 30 September - 27 October 2001; President of the Commission for the Controversies. Special papal envoy to the celebrations of the 7th centennial of the death of Saint-Yves, patron of the jurists, Tréguier, France, 16-18 May 2003.

Anthony Bailey appointed Delegate of the British and Irish delegation in succession to Lord Belhaven and Stenton who retired from post. London - June 2003

Following the retirement of outgoing Delegate Lord Belhaven and Stenton, HRH The Grand Master has appointed Anthony Bailey to the post of Delegate. Mr Bailey had previously served as Vice-Delegate and Chancellor from 2000-2003

Lord Belhaven and Stenton, retires from three years in office as Delegate of the British and Irish Delegation. June 2003

Following three years in office as Delegate of the British and Irish Delegation, Lord Belhaven and Stenton retired in June 2003 and was succeeded by HE Mr Anthony Bailey (below), former Vice-Delegate and Chancellor.

Lord Belhaven and Stenton was born in February 1927 and succeeded his father, the 12th Lord Belhaven and Stenton in 1961. He was educated at Eton College before serving from 1946-1948 as a Lieutenant in The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Lord Belhaven and Stenton married Elizabeth Moseley in 1952 and had one son and daughter. This marriage was dissolved in 1973. In the same year Lord Belhaven and Stenton married Rosemary, Lady McTaggart who subsequently died.

In 1986 Lord Belhaven married Malgorzata Maria Hruzik-Mazurkiewicz, from Krakow, Poland from which they have one daughter. From the moment of his elevation to the House of Lords until the recent abolition of the rights of hereditary peers to sit in the Upper Chamber, Lord Belhaven and Stenton was an active Conservative Peer and served on numerous committees including the British-Polish Group, British-Slovenian Group and the British-Slovakian Group. In 1995 he was decorated with the Commander Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland in recognition of his active role in British-Polish relations.

Lord Belhaven's heir is his son, the Hon. Frederick Carmichael Hamilton, Master of Belhaven, who was born in 1953. Lord Belhaven and Stenton converted to become a Roman Catholic in the Jubilee Year 2000 following ten years of attending mass at Westminster Cathedral. His daughter has been brought up as a Roman Catholic. He was appointed the British and Irish Delegate of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order in 2000 by special decree of HRH The Grand Master.

The Duke of Calabria, Cardinal Pompedda and British Delegate Anthony Bailey pay a two-day Official Visit to Gibraltar to launch a set of postage stamps featuring the cross of Constantinian Order. Gibraltar – April 2003.

The Duke of Calabria, Grand Prefect, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior, and Mr Anthony Bailey, Delegate, paid an Official Visit to Gibraltar from 22-24 April 2003 at the invitation of the dependant territory’s Chief Minister, the Hon Peter R Caruana, QC.

During the visit, the Duke of Calabria, officially launched a set of three postage stamps, approved by HM Queen Elizabeth II, issued by Gibraltar to mark the 1700th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint George. The 40p stamp features the cross of the Constantinian Order. Gibraltar is the only United Kingdom Overseas Territory to mark this important anniversary.

The Duke of Calabria, Cardinal Pompedda and Anthony Bailey also paid a courtesy call on Her Majesty’s Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar, His Excellency Sir David Durie, KCMG, and Lady Durie at their official residence, the Convent.

A mass was later held at St Joseph’s Church in Gibraltar and con-celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order and a long standing member of the Constantinian Order.

Following mass, the Duke of Calabria unveiled a commemorative plaque below the stained glass window of St George depicted on the £1.20 stamp. Many national dignitaries attended including the Chief Minister and Mrs Peter Caruana, the Minister for Public Services, the Environment, Sport and Youth and Mrs Ernest Britto, together with Constantinian knights Anthony Lombard and Peter Jennings.

A number of official dinners and a tour of the territory were included in the visit, which was widely reported, in the Gibraltarian and British media.

“The Official Visit to Gibraltar by the Grand Prefect and Grand Prior was a great success and I should like to pay tribute to the Chief Minister and his Government, as well as to the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau for all their efforts in ensuring that the 1700th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint George important anniversary was duly marked in such an creative way.

The first known Constantinian Order knight from Gibraltar was Sir Emanuel Viale, who received his award in 1811. I am delighted that this historic relationship with the territory has once again been enhanced with the investiture of the Chief Minister and the Bishop. They join our other two Constantinian knights in Gibraltar, Monsignor Grima and Anthony Lombard, who together played such an instrumental role in this visit”. Anthony Bailey, Delegate said.

Chief Minister and Bishop of Gibraltar invested into the Sacred Military Constantinian Order. Gibraltar – April 2003.

To mark his first ever visit to Gibraltar, Prince Carlo of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, as Grand Prefect, and on behalf of his Father and Grand Master, the Duke of Castro, invested the Honourable Peter R Caruana, QC, Chief Minister, and The Right Reverend Monsignor Charles Caruana, Bishop of Gibraltar (left), as a Knight Grand Cross of Merit and an Ecclesiastical Knight Commander of Grace respectively.

His Royal Highness, Cardinal Pompedda and Mr Bailey also undertook a series of other engagements in Gibraltar aimed at raising the profile of the Constantinian Order and its charitable and humanitarian activities.

For those members wishing to purchase a set of these stamps, please
contact the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau on tel +350 75662, fax +350 42149 or website: http://www.gibraltar-stamps.com






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