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

Grand Prior Cardinal Pompedda awarded the Collar of the Constantinian Order and invested to the prestigious Royal Order of St. Gennaro. Rome - December 2003.

The Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, announced that his father and the Order's Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Castro, the promotion of His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior to the degree of Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice with Collar of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George. In addition Cardinal Pompedda was appointed as a Knight of the illustrious Royal Order of St. Gennaro, the highest award which the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies can bestow.

Christmas Activities undertaken by the Order's Delegation of Lombardy. Lombardy - December 2003.

For Christmas, the knights and dames of the Delegation of Lombardy, lead by Prince Augusto Ruffo di Calabria, visited numerous elderly residents of nursing homes supported by the Constantinian Order. Gifts were distributed during some recreational afternoons at the following institutions: the Pio Albergo Trivulzio Centre in Milan, Punto d'Incontro and Pertusati in Pavia. The sixth Day of the Elderly, took place in the rooms of the Pio Albergo Trivulzio Centre and among the many guests were; Mayor of Milan, the Hon. Gabriele Albertini and the Hon. Ombretta Fumagalli Carulli, both knights of the Constantinian Order. During the evening, a room dedicated to the Constantinian Order of St. George was inaugurated.

On Sunday 2nd November a requiem mass was held at the Saint Clare Cathedral of Naples , the Pantheon of the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies. Attending the mass were TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria who then visited the Cloister and paid their homage to the tombs of the Royal Family. His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, celebrated mass.

Princess Maria Carolina baptised at the Royal Palace of Caserta . Caserta - November 2003.

HRH Princess Maria Carolina Chantal, Edoarda, Beatrice, Januaria of Bourbon Two Sicilies, the first-born child of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria, was baptised at the Royal Palace of Caserta. The ceremony took place at the Palatine Chapel of the Royal Palace of Caserta and was con-celebrated by His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, His Eminence Saraiva, Cardinal Martins, His Eminence Cardinal Poggi and several Bishops.

The baby Princess, who was born on 23 June 2003, was given the names of Maria Carolina - in honour of the Queen of Naples and Sicily, wife of King Ferdinand IV and daughter of the Holy Roman Empress of Maria Theresa of Habsburg and of Francis I of Lorraine - Chantal, Edoarda - after the baby's grandmothers - Beatrice - name of her aunt on the father's side - and Januaria - in honour of San Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples.

The godparents of the Princess were HRH Prince Laurent of Belgium , son of King Albert II, and HSH Prince Pierre d'Arenberg, Mrs Anna Maria Pisanu - wife of the Italian Home Secretary Giuseppe Pisanu and actress Mrs Ines Sastre.

Princess Maria Carolina has been the first member of the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies to be born in Italy and to be christened at the Royal Palace of Caserta since the reign of King Francis II.

Following the religious ceremony, a cocktail party was held during which the guests visited the historic and world-renowned Royal Palace . A gala dinner followed the ceremony in the Throne Room and other state rooms of the palace. On display was a cake dedicated to Princess Maria Carolina which was 9 meters long and weighing over 100 kilos.

Following dinner, all the guests moved to the palace gardens, which had been specially illuminated for the occasion, to witness one of the largest firework displays seen at the palace.

Among those attending the baptism events were HRH The Duchess of Castro; Donna Edoarda Crociani, HRH Princess Beatrice and her children; TIH Prince Jean Christophe and Princess Caroline Napoleon; HRH Princess Anna and her children, Nicolas and Dorothèe Cochin; TRH Prince Louis Alphonse and Princess Cristina; HRH Prince Alexander.
TRH Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium; TRH The Duke and Duchess of Bragança; HRH Crown Prince Kardam of Bulgaria; HRH Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, Prince of Venice, HRH The Duke of Aosta; HRH Prince Michael of Yugoslavia; TRH Prince and Princess Alexander of Liechtenstein; HRH Prince Charles Philip of Orleans; HRH Faical Bey of Tunisia; HSH Prince Raimondo Orsini d'Aragona and HSH Princess Kethevan Orsini d'Aragona; Count Massimiliano Secco d'Aragona, TRH Prince Manfred and Princess Victoria Windish Graetz; HSH Prince Paolo Boncompagni Ludovisi; HSH Prince Alessandrojacopo Ludovisi Boncompagni Altemps; HSH Prince Charles-Henri Lobkowicz; Prince Charles Giovannelli; Princess Barbara Massimo; Prince Scipione Borghese; Don Muzio and Donna Elisabetta Sforza Cesarini; Prince and Princess Fabrizio Colonna; Prince Oddone Colonna; Prince and Princess Carlo Odescalchi; Countess Celia von Bismarck; Countess Eléonore de la Rochefoucault; Count and Countess Michel de Liedekerke; Count and Countess Hadelin de Liedekerke-Beaufort; Prince Carlo Massimo; Count and Countess Carlo Marullo di Condojanni, Princes of Casalnuovo; Marquess and Marchioness Aldo Pezzana Capranica del Grillo; Marquess Sersale; Count and Countess Alberto Sifola di San Martino; Marchioness de Goyzueta of Toverena; Marquess and Marchioness Fabrizio di Giura; Marquess and Marchioness Giacomo del Gallo.

Among the members of the aristocratic families of southern Italy, there were: Princess Acton of Leporano; Prince Augusto and Princess Tana Ruffo of Calabria; Prince and Princess Landolfo Ambrogio Caracciolo of Melissano; Prince and Princess Alessandro d'Aquino of Caramanico; Prince Ferdinando Ferrara Pignatelli of Strongoli, Countess Lidia d'Aquino of Caramanico; the Marquess and the Marchioness Pierluigi Sanfelice; the Marquess and the Marchioness Riccardo Imperiali; Countess Maria Lucia Imperiali; Count and Countess Riccardo Paternò of Montecupo, Dukes of San Nicola; Marquess and Marchioness Piero Piromallo Capece Piscitelli of Montebello; Baron and Baroness Francesco Sanseverino of Marcellinara; Baron and Baroness Giampietro Sanseverino of Marcellinara; Marquess and Marchioness Leopoldo de Gregorio Cattaneo di Sant'Elia; Princess Uzza de Gregorio Cattaneo di Sant'Elia; Duke and Duchess Giovan Battista Valiante d'Avena; Don Michele e Donna Micaela Valiante d'Avena.

Among the senior officers of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the following attended: The Grand Chancellor, HE Count Jacques de Liedekerke - representing the Prince & Grand Master - and the Countess; the Grand Prior of Rome, HE the Venerable Balì Franz von Lobstein; the Grand Prior of Naples and Naples, Frà Antonio Nesci; HE Ambassador Quaroni; Frà Carlo of the Marquesses Arditi di Castelvetere.

Among the political and military personalities , there were: the Mayor of Caserta, Mr Luigi Falco; HE The Prefect of Caserta, Mr Renato Schilardi and his wife; HE The Prefect of Naples, Mr Renato Profili and his wife; HE The Prefect of Naples, Mr Achille Serra and his wife; the Superintendent of the Royal Palace of Caserta, Mrs Giovanna Petrenga; the President of the Calabria Region, the Honourable Giuseppe Chiaravalloti and his wife; HE The Ambassador of Italy in the Holy See, Count Raniero Avogadro di Casalvonole and the Countess; HE The Ambassador of France Pierre Morel and his wife; HE The Ambassador of Argentina in Paris, Mr Archibald Lannus; HE The Ambassador of Panama to the Court of St James's. Mrs Ariadne Singares Robinson; the Culture Councillor of Naples, the Honourable Giulia Parente; HE General Paolo Di Noia and his wife; HE General Palazzo and his wife; General Salvatore D'Amato and his wife; General Li Pira and his wife; Admiral Paolo Pagnottella and his wife.

Among the entrepreneurs there were; Mr and Mrs Ferragamo, Mr Brachetti Peretti, Mrs Carla Fendi, Mr and Mrs Giugiaro, Mr and Mrs Oetker, Countess Agusta, Mrs Arnault, Mr and Mrs Caltagirone, Mr and Mrs Gussalli Beretta, Mr Hirshmann, Mr and Mrs Mentasti, Mr and Mrs Pastor.

The British and Irish Delegate of the Constantinian Order, HE Anthony Bailey also attended.

Commenting on the events, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria said, "We are here because we have always been close to this land, to Neapolitans and to Southern Italy . The christening of Maria Carolina is a moment of intimate joy but also the chance to show people the beauty of Naples that is often described in an incorrect manner".

As the Duke of Calabria said: "Between the 18th and 19th century Caserta and Naples were the milestones of my ancestors and my family. The christening of Maria Carolina gave us the possibility to bring many important guests to Caserta . We wanted to do something important for Caserta , to make people know its wonderful Royal Palace ".

The same spirit was behind the choice of the Dukes of Calabria to use products from companies of southern Italy for the making of clothes and decorations, for the bonbonnière made in Capodimonte porcelain, the dress for the Christening of Princess Maria Carolina made in silk coming from the former Royal Colony of San Leucio and decorated with the monogram of the baby.

Also to remember are the opening - attended by the Duke of Calabria and hosted by the Mayor of Caserta - of new Sport Centre in Tuoro dedicated to Queen Maria Carolina as well as several new charity initiatives among which the one in favour of the young inmates of the Correctional Centre of Nisida - who also made the ceramic masks of Pulcinella offered to their guests by the Duke of Calabria - and that in favour of the "Family Centre" for the HIV positive children of Secondigliano as well as the sum collected from the Knights of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George as present for Princess Maria Carolina and given by the Duke and Duchess of Calabria to a baby girl of Barra called Noemi, born on the same day as the Princess from a humble, less fortunate though respectable family.

Duke and Duchess of Calabria celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary. Naples - October 2003.

TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary at a banquet held at the Excelsior Hotel in Naples. Over 500 guests and including members of European Royal Families and many leading personalities attended the dinner from the world of politics, business and industry.

For the evening celebrations the Excelsior Hotel was decorated with traditional Neapolitan ornaments, flowers, perfumes and food. The staff wore Bourbon costumes and the buffet offered food from the same period. The anniversary cake was an enormous babà shaped as Mount Vesuvio - the Volcano of Naples.

During the evening, traditional and modern Neapolitan music was played. The night ended with a concert by Peppino di Capri.

University of Trieste launches major study of the Constantinian Order. Trieste - November 2003.

In the Great Hall of the University of Trieste, Dr Polo di Gorizia, from the Faculty of Political Sciences, inaugurated a lecture on improving and updating International Law with regard to "Equestrian Orders of Knighthood: The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George". The initiative is directed by Professor Gian Luigi Cecchini and co-ordinated by Franco Ciufo, both Constantinian knights.

The course provides for a detailed analysis of the evolution of the Grand Magistry of the Constantinian Order of St George, particularly through the study of historical-juridical profiles that have accompanied the life of the Constantinian Order. External pretensions exist on the Order which the competent Italian judicial authorities have already resolved in favour of the Order. The Italian Republic recognises the knighthoods given by the Order. The paper was addressed to alumni and graduates with the intention of deepening their knowledge regarding the relationship between International Law and Chivalric Orders - recognised militarily, and also their relationship to humanitarian interventions that they are called upon to undertake.

Other participants included: Prof Domenico Romeo, Rector of the University of Trieste; Prof Domenico Coccopalmerio, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science; Prof Gian Luigi Cecchini, Professor of International Law and other civil, military and religious authorities together with the numerous students enrolled in the course. The inaugural lecture by Cardinal Pompedda entitled "The Constantinian Order of St George in the International Order" aroused great interest among those researchers who attended and will be published together with the course materials of the University of Trieste.

Patriarch of Venice invested into Constantinian Order. Venice - November 2003.

The Duke of Calabria and Cardinal Pompedda visited Venice and met with His Eminence Angelo, Cardinal Scola, Patriarch of Venice, and invested him as a Bailiff Knight Grand Cross of Justice of the Constantinian Order.

During the visit, the Duke of Calabria and Cardinal Pompedda visited the Institute "Santa Maria della Pietà", the oldest Venetian institution for orphan children, which has been financially helped by knights and the dames of the Delegation of Triveneto.

Monaco Presentation of a Book on the Grand Magistry of the Constantinian Order by Professor Ettore Gallo. Monte Carlo - November 2003.

Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior, at the invitation of HSH Sovereign Prince Rainier III of Monaco, attended the Solemn Mass, sung by His Excellency Bernard Barsil, Archbishop of Monaco, on the occasion of the national feast of the Principality. As a guest of the Sovereign Prince, Cardinal Pompedda later greeted the Monegasque crowds from the balcony of Princely Palace.

Pope John Paul II appoints Ecclesiastical Counsellor to the Constantinian Order under the grandmastership of The Duke of Castro

In November 2003 His Holiness Pope John Paul II (left) formally appointed His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, as his Ecclesiastical Counsellor to the Constantinian Order under the grandmastership of HRH Prince Ferdinando of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro. This was a major act of formal recognition between the Holy Father and the Order.

In confirming the appointment, His Eminence Angelo, Cardinal Sodano, Secretary of State of the Vatican City State (below) stated in a letter to Cardinal Pompedda, "On numerous occasions, Your Eminence has spoken to His Holiness

Pope John Paul II of the need to provide greater spiritual assistance to those members of the Constantinian Order of Saint George for whom You have agreed to act as Grand Prior, by designation of Prince Don Ferdinando Maria of Bourbon Two Sicilies.

"I have now been requested to inform You that the Holy Father, out of pastoral solicitude, has appointed Your Eminence, for a term of five years, as Ecclesiastical Counsellor of the Deputation of the Constantinian Order that recognises Prince Don Ferdinando Maria of Bourbon Two Sicilies as its Grand Master.

"For my part, I shall gladly beseech the Lord to bestow abundant blessings upon Your endeavour to promote an ever more intense Christian culture among those who will benefit by Your ministry, under the banner of the Constantinian Knights’ ancient tradition of fidelity to the Church.

"A copy of this letter has been sent by me, on this day, to Prince Don Ferdinando Maria of Bourbon Two Sicilies to inform him of this and to extend most cordial greetings to him. I take this opportunity to assure You of my highest regard. Yours devotedly in Christ + A. Card. Sodano, Secretary of State".

To download the letter of appointment, which is in Italian, click here.
For the English translation click here.

US Embassy to the Holy See hosts Constantinian Order investiture ceremony. Rome - October 2003.

An investiture of new knights and dames into the Constantinian Order and of the Royal Order of Francis I took place in the residence of the American Ambassador to the Holy See, His Excellency James Nicholson. His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order, accompanied by the Grand Chancellor, HE Marchese Aldo Pezzana Capranica del Grillo, delivered the diplomas to newly invested Knights.

A few days later, the knights and dames of the American Delegation attended the General Audience presided over by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, in the Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican City. The visit by the United States delegation concluded with a Mass at the Pontifical American College in Rome.

Cardinal Grand Prior delivers inaugural speech at the University of Cassino. Cassino - September 2003.

The University of Cassino organised a conference on the theme: "The future of the Second Pillar of the European Union- Politics of the Union Concerning Common Safety." The work, which took place at the Barracks of the 80th Infantry Regiment, was introduced by the Constantinian Order's Grand Prior, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, with a major speech which was appreciated by both students and participants attending the conference.

Constantinian Order donates Ambulance to the mission " Speranza e Carità" of Fr. Biagio Conte. Palermo - September 2003.

The Constantinian Order's representative in the city of Palermo, Dr Anthony Di Janni, has donated a fully equipped ambulance to Biagio Conte. The ambulance, which bears the Constantinian insignia will be used by the Mission "Speranza e Carità".

Duke of Calabria and Cardinal Pompedda participate in the feast of St Januarius, Principal Patron of the City of Naples. Naples - September 2003.

During the celebrations for the feast of St Januarius, Bishop and Martyr, The Duke of Calabria, Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order and Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior, made their yearly homage to the Patron Saint and assisted at the Miracle of the Liquidication of the Blood. Welcomed by Michele Cardinal Giordano, Archbishop of Naples, the Mayor, Signora Rosa Russo Jervolino, and by the President of the Region of Campania, the Hon Antonio Bassolino, the Grand Prefect and the Grand Prior were present at the Pontifical Mass in the Cathedral of Naples.

Prince Charles-Louis d'Arenberg named Constantinian Order Delegate in Belgium. Brussels - September 2003.

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Grand Master of the Constantinian Order, HRH The Duke of Castro named His Serene Highness Prince Charles Louis d'Arenberg as the Order's Delegate to the Kingdom of Belgium. In the name of the entire Constantinian Order, the Grand Prefect, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, formally welcomed the new Delegate and offered his most fervent wishes for a successful term of office in the tradition of faith and witness to the Cross that distinguishes the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.

Solemnity of the Exaltation of the Cross celebrated by the Constantinian Order. Rome - September 2003.

Delegations and groups of the Constantinian Order across the world celebrated the important Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, symbol of the Constantinian Order with celebratory Masses and by the demonstration of solidarity with the poor.

The

Delegation of Lombardy attended Holy Mass in the Cathedral of Como and then visited the handicapped children Opera di Assistenza "Don Gnocchi". Prof Massimo de Leonardis, from the Catholic University in Milan, gave a lecture on the life of its saintly Priest founder.

Constantinian Knight Cardinal Maurice Otunga dies. Nairobi - September 2003.

It is with much regret that the Grand Magistry of the Constantinian Order announces the death of His Eminence Maurice, Cardinal Otunga, a Bailiff Knight Grand Cross of Justice.

Cardinal Maurice Otunga, Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi and Military Ordinary Emeritus for Kenya, was born in January 1923 in Chebukwa, diocese of Kakamega, Kenya. He was ordained a priest on 3 October 1950, elected titular Bishop of Tacapae 17 November 1956 and consecrated on 25 February 1957. Later Cardinal Otunga was transferred to Kisii on 21 May 1960 and from 15 November 1969 was nominated titular Archbishop of Bomarzo and Coadjutor of Nairobi. He became Archbishop of Nairobi on 24 October 1971.

After having finished his studies at Mangu High School, he entered the seminary of Kakamega where he began his philosophy and theology training, which he finished at the Gaba national seminary of Kampala, Uganda. He transferred to Rome and was a student at the Pontifical Urban University, where he was ordained a priest in October 1950 and obtained a doctorate in Theology. Upon returning to Kenya he was a theology professor for three years at the major diocesan seminary of Kisumu, while he also served as Vice-Chancellor of the diocesan Curia. On 17 November 1956 His Holiness Pope Pius XII nominated him Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu. Four years later His Holiness Pope John XXIII transferred him to the new diocese of Kisii, where for nine years he dedicated himself to his pastoral ministry. On 15 November 1969 His Holiness Pope Paul VI nominated him coadjutor Archbishop of Nairobi and from1971 as Archbishop of Nairobi.

Cardinal Otunga was Vice President of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), member of the permanent committee of the Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), participated in various assemblies of the Synod of Bishops and took part in the Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod.

Cardinal Otunga was elevated to the Sacred College of Cardinals by His Holiness Pope Paul VI in the consistory of 5 March 1973.

The prestigious ‘Fountains in Rome’ award presented to the Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order. Rome – July 2003.

In the prestigious surroundings of the Protomoteca Room in the Campidoglio His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, the Order's Grand Prior, and His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, Grand Prefect, received the International Prize "Fountains in Rome" which is organised by the International Academy "La Sponda". The President of the Academy is Dr Benito Corradini.

Duchess of Calabria gives birth to her first child and marks first Bourbon birth on Italian soil since reign of last King of the Two Sicilies. Rome - June 2003.

The Duke and Duchess of Calabria announced the birth of their daughter, HRH Princess Maria Carolina, in Rome on 23 June 2003. This is Their Royal Highnesses first child and marks the first Bourbon birth in Italy since the reign of the last King of the Two Sicilies, Francis II, in the 19th century.

Basilica of St Ignazio all’Olivella of Palermo becomes Church of the Constantinian Order. Palmero - June 2003.

The knights and the dames of the Sicilian Delegation of the Constantinian Order took part in a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by the Order's Grand Prior, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, on the occasion of the blessing of a new Constantinian Labarum and the naming of the Basilica of San Ignazio all'Olivella as a church of the Constantinian Order.

Many civil and military authorities of the city of Palermo attended the solemn ceremony, including: the Deputy Mayor of the city, the Hon Dario Falzone, the President of the Court of Appeal, HE Dr Alfonso Giordano, and General Antonio Jovane of Guardia di Finanza. The Rev Father G. Schiera, Rector of the Basilica, Rev. Mons Grimaldi, dean of the Constantinian Clergy in Sicily, and Rev. Papas Luigi Lucini of oriental Greek rite concelebrated the Mass.

Duchess of Castro donates to the Italian Cancer Research Assocation. Rome – June 2003.

In the name of the Constantinian Order, H.R.H. Princess Chantal Bourbon of the Two Sicilies, Duchess of Castro, donated a valuable painting entitled "Waiting for Spring" to the AIRC, the Italian Cancer Research Association. The Chairman of the AIRC branch for Campania, Duchess Gloria Frezza di San Felice, thanked the Duchess of Castro and through her the Constantinian Order, emphasising among other things how this work aesthetically brings a cheerful message of hope for life, just as life returns after the winter season.

Constantinian Order Delegation in Novara hosts Ecological Education initiative Novara - June 2003.

The delegation of Novara organised a day of awareness on ecological problems attended by many students from Novara together with young disabled persons who were guests of the Day Centre "Villa Costa" in Novara. The group was accompanied by the volunteers from the Constantinian Cross and after a brief theoretical lesson on respecting nature, immediately went into action cleaning some wooded areas of Novara's countryside.

Constantinian Order organises major pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Oropa. Lombardy - June 2003.

The Constantinian Order's Delegation in Lombardy, headed by Prince Augusto Ruffo of Calabria, organised its yearly May pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Oropa. For the occasion, Constantinian knights and dames from across Northern Italy, accompanied over one thousand elderly people from many nursing homes receiving support from the Order to the sacred shrine. The solemn Eucharistic Celebration, was celebrated by the Constantinian Clergy of the Delegation, presided over by Cardinal Pompedda, the Order's Grand Prior, in the presence of the Bishop of Biella, His Excellency Bishop Gabriele Mana, and by the Bishop of Asti, His Excellency Francis Guido Ravinale. After the celebrations there was a visit to the museums of the Sanctuary and a breakfast offered to the elderly guests by the Constantinian Order.

President of the Royal Magistral Juridical Council is Named. Rome - May 2003.

On the occasion of the Feast Day of St. Ferdinand the King, the Order's Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Castro, appointed His Excellency Dr Pasquale de Lise, Knight of Grand Cross of Merit of the Constantinian Order and President of the Council of State of the Italian Republic as President of the Royal Magistral Juridical Council of the Constantinian Order.

Cardinal Grand Prior Pompedda formally welcomed the City of Modena and the Military Academy. Modena - May 2003.

General Massimo De Maggio, Commander of the historic and prestigious Military Academy in Modena, welcomed His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, the Order's Grand Prior,

with full military honours. He was invited to the Academy to deliver a speech entitled "Christian roots of Europe" to the students of the Military Academy.

Two New Ambulances donated by the Order to the Constantinian Cross of Novara. Novara - May 2003.

A solemn Eucharistic Celebration was held, presided over by Cardinal Pompedda, the Order's Grand Prior, in the Cathedral of Novara, in the presence of Bishop Renato Corti, the Order's Delegate of Lombardy, Prince Augusto Ruffo di Calabria, together with many civil and military authorities and Constantinian knights and dames. Following mass, the Delegate of Novara, Claudio Limontini, presented two new ambulances donated by the Constantinian-Onlus Cross of Novara. The Constantinian-Onlus Cross of Novara provides medical first aid throughout the province of Novara in collaboration with local healthcare centres and community hospitals.

Constantinian Order and the United States Military Chaplaincy launch spiritual vocational initiative. Washington DC - May 2003.

At the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., the knights and the dames of the American Delegation of the Constantinian Order participated in the celebration of the annual Mass for Memorial Day which was celebrated by His Excellency Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, Military Ordinary for the United States of America.

On this occasion the Constantinian Order and the United States Military Chaplaincy announced a joint project which aims to help address the spiritual demands and problems within the United States Armed Forces. The initative, organised by Constantinian knight, Jeffrey Ludwig, includes a programme to attract priests into the military service and to care for veterans.

10,000 posters have been printed and distributed by the Order with the motto" Father We Need You" addressed to those priests who might be considering serving as an army chaplain. About 100,000 informational brochures explaining the spiritual needs of the US Armed Forces have been printed and distributed. A 30-minute documentary has been produced and distributed to all American military bases, entitled "Fight of Faith, the Trainee".

Constantinian Order holds International Congress for the Prevention of Stomach Cancer. Rome - May 2003.

Under the patronage of the Constantinian Order of Saint George, a founding member of the World Campaign for the Prevention of Stomach Cancer, an international conference was held at the ES Hotel in Rome attended by many world leaders from health organizations. These included Eugenio Santoro, Murray Brennan, Alberto Montori and Sidney Winawer.

The event included the official presentation of the International Digestive Cancer Alliance (International Association Against Stomach Cancer), which brought together many from the world of gastroenterology. During the meeting, medical experts, coming from over fifty countries, discussed the enormous scope of the problem on a worldwide scale and ways to reduce its seriousness.

This event follows on from the opening of the Campaign for the Prevention of Stomach Cancer held in Rome in March 2002, which took place under the direction of Cardinal Pompedda, the Order's Grand Prior, and under the patronage of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, who granted a private audience to the Constantinian Delegation and to the participants at the Meeting.

An information campaign was launched, aimed at increasing public awareness of the medical condition which will include informational programmes and screening at a national level. The contribution of the Constantinian Order of St. George confirms again its engagement in charitable works, not only through practical help, but also with its support of activities in medical-scientific research.

Constantinian Knight Cardinal Francesco Colasuonno dies. Vatican City - May 2003.

It is with much regret that the Grand Magistry of the Constantinian Order announces the death of His Eminence Francesco Cardinal Colasuonno, a Bailiff Knight Grand Cross of Justice.

Cardinal Francesco Colasuonno was born on 2 January 1925 in Grumo Appula, Italy. Ordained for the Archdiocese of Bari on 28 September 1947, he earned doctorates in theology and canon law and taught in the archdiocesan seminary before entering the Holy See's diplomatic service in 1958.

After working in the Section for Extraordinary Ecclesiastical Affairs of the Secretariat of State, he had postings in the USA, India and Taipei. On 6 December 1974 he was named titular Archbishop of Truentum and the first Apostolic Delegate of Mozambique. On 7 March 1981 he was named Apostolic Pro-Nuncio in Zimbabwe and on 8 January 1985 Apostolic Pro-Nuncio in Yugoslavia. On 19 April 1986 he was named Apostolic Nuncio with special duties and head of the Holy See's delegation for permanent working contacts with Poland.

He then served as the Holy See's Representative to the USSR from 1990 until his appointment on 12 November 1994 as Apostolic Nuncio in Italy. The following year he was also named Apostolic Nuncio to San Marino.

Senior Constantinian knight, HRH Prince Laurent of Belgium, marries British-born Claire Coombs. Brussels - April 2003.

His Royal Highness Prince Laurent (right), youngest son of Their Majesties King Albert II and Queen Paola of the Belgians, married British-born Miss Claire Coombs in a ceremony at Brussels's Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral. Prince Laurent was invested as a Bailiff Knight Grand Cross of Justice of the Constantinian Order in January 1994. Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Calabria attended the ceremony at the invitation of the Belgian monarchs.

Order's Grand Prefect sends message on the occasion of Saint George's Day. Rome - April 2003.

On the occasion of St George's Day, Patron Saint of the Constantinian Order, the Grand Prefect, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, sent a message of greeting to all Knights and Dames of the Order.

In the address the Grand Prefect commented "As we commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. George, patron saint of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, the events and initiatives undertaken for this commemoration recall the tradition of faith of this Order and of its members.

Constantinian Order Delegation of Novara donates to the Municipality of Ururi. Molise - April 2003.

The Delegation of Novara, coordinated by Claudio Limontini, donated a large amount of building materials to the town of Ururi in Molise, one of the centres most heavily struck by the earthquake of October 2002. To mark the occasion a ceremony took place in the Council Room of the Town Hall in the presence of its Mayor, Luigi Plescia, religious and military authorities and volunteers of the Constantinian Cross, who had transported the materials which will be usedto construct a nursery and elementary school. Silvio Giovagnorio, a Knight of the Order, attended the ceremony as the representative of the Hon. Joseph Tagliente, the Constantinian Delegate for Abruzzo and Molise.

Order of Malta Grand Chancellor and Foreign Affairs Secretary-General invested into Constantinian Order. Rome - March 2003.

On behalf of HRH The Duke of Castro, Grand Master, HRH Prince Carlo of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, invested His Excellency Count Jacques de Liedekerke, Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta as a Knight Grand Cross of Justice of the SM Constantinian Order. His Excellency Ambassador Alessandro Quaroni, Secretary General for Foreign Affairs of the Order of Malta was also invested as a Knight Grand Cross of Merit of the SM Constantinian Order. The ceremony took place at the Grand Chancellery of the Dynastic Orders of the House of Bourbon Two Sicilies in Central Rome.

His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order and Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic See and President of the Court of Cassation of the Vatican City State, attended.

Prime Minister of the Italian Republic invested into the Sacred Military Constantinian Order. Rome - March 2003.

In a two-hour long ceremony at Palazzo Chigi in Rome, the President of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) of the Italian Republic, Silvio Berlusconi (second from left), was invested into the Constantinian Order as a Knight Grand Cross with Gold Star and Collar within the Special Category.

HRH Prince Carlo of Bourbon Two Siclies, Duke of Calabria, invested the Italian Head of Government on behalf of his father and Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Castro. Among those attending the ceremony included HRH The Duchess of Calabria, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order and Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Segnatura and HE Marchese Aldo Pezzana Capranica del Grillo, Grand Chancellor. Attending on the Italian Prime Minister were HE Ambassador Giuseppe Balboni Acqua, Chief of Protocol of the Italian Republic (Knight Grand Cross of Grace), Dr Gianni Letta, Under-Secretary of State for the President of the Council of Ministers (Knight Commander of Merit with Star) and Dr Massimo Sgrelli, Chief of Protocol at Palazzo Chigi.

Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago joins the Constantinian Order at Easter Spiritual Retreat and is invested into the Order. Chicago - March 2003.

Many Constantinian knights and dames of the United States Delegation gathered for a spiritual retreat, in preparation for Easter. In the Church of St. John Cantius in chicago, the Very Rev Fr Regis N. Barwig gave a series of talks on the role and duties of Catholics, who accept membership in an Equestrian Order. Many Knights and Dames of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre took part.

Constantinian Order’s Medal of Merit awarded to Balestrate. Palermo – March 2003.

During the celebrations to mark 183rd anniversary of the creation of the town of Balestrate, the Delegate of the Constantinian Order in Palermo, Dr Antonio of Janni, presented the town's Mayor, Dr Savior Bonaviri, with the Order's medal of merit and a plaque from the Order's Grand Prefect His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria who descends from King Ferdinando I, who orginally created the town.

During the ceremony a copy of the Royal Decree dated March 29th, 1820, together with a copy of the historical Coat of Arms of the town, as approved by the Sovereign, were presented to the mayor. At the request of the Town Council, the Post Office began cancelling postage stamps with the Coat of Arms of the Royal House.

Constantinian Order opens Delegation in Hungary. Budapest - March 2003.

The Grand Master of the Constantinian Order, HRH The Duke of Castro formally named HE Dr Semjén Zsolt, as Delegate for the newly created Delegation in the Republic of Hungary.

The new Hungarian Delegation has launched numerous charitable and humanitarian projects in the Central European nation including completely furnishing a nursing home in Esztergom as well as providing much needed assistance to the homeless in Budapest. In recent months this has included numerous Constantinian Order volunteers regularly assisting in the distribution of food packages to the poor. In 2003 alone over 6 tons of clothing, blankets, and other materials were distributed.

The spiritual care of the Delegation has been entrusted to the Very Reverend Monsignor Bolberitz, who celebrates a monthly Mass for the members of the Order. The Hungarian Delegation has also recently organised a series of lectures on the Christian Faith, in which famous theologians, scientists and politicians from all over the world took part.

Eucharistic Celebration and Mass in preparation for Easter. Naples – March 2003.

Many Knights and Dames of the Constantinian Order from across Italy and from foreign delegations took part in a Eucharistic Celebration at the Basilica of Saint Clare in Naples on the third Sunday in Lent. The Italian state TV channel, RAI I, broadcast the Constantinian celebration for the benefit of the sick and home bound.






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