International Activities and Events
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The Duke and Duchess of Calabria attend Christmas Concert. Rome - December 2005.
TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria were guests of honour at a traditional Christmas Concert, which took place close to the artistic Oratory of the Gonfalon in Rome.
The concert was preformed by the Orchestra The Duke of Calabria, which is named after the Grand Prefect tohonour the illustrious musical culture of the Court of the Two Sicilies. The orchestra performed works by
Paisiello, Pergolesi Scarlatti, Berlini and by Alfonso Maria de’ Liguori. In addition a number of typical Neapolitan sonatas were also performed.
A number of distinguished guests attended including His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Prince Alessandrojacopo Ludovisi Altemps, Delegate for Lazio aswell as HE GiuseppeBalboniAcqua, 
Ambassador of Italy to the Holy See, HEJohn Joseph, Ambassador of Austria to theHoly See, HE Emilio Marin, Ambassador of Croatia to theHoly See, HE Machado Barrouin, Ambassador of Brazil, HE Samir Al Kassir, Ambassador of Syria, General Sabato Palazzo, Marquis Gaetano Sersale, Princess Delfina Massimo Lancellotti, The Duchess Altea Altemps di Gallese, Marquises Francesco and Serena Capranica del Grillo.
The Delegations of Pavia and Lombardy support children with Neuropsychological problems. Pavia- December 2005.
Prince Augusto Ruffo di Calabria accompanied by knights and dames from the delegations of Pavia and Lombardy attended a liturgy in memory of Saint Lucy Martyr in the Basilica of San Lanfranco. On this occasion, various gifts were distributed to the patients of Dosso Verde, a treatment centre for children who are affected by serious neuropsychological illnesses.
The delegation of Pavia offers regular support for the cure of the young patients. Recently, the Delegation provided 400 kg of rice and 200 kg of pasta. Following the religious ceremony, Prince Augusto Ruffo of Calabria presented 500 Panettoni -Italian traditional Christmas cakes) to the elderly attending the Mass. Among those present were: the Prefect of Pavia, the Mayor and the local Head of the Police Administration.
Cardinal Pompedda presides over a Solemn Eucharistic celebration on the occasion of the anniversary of the proclamation of the Dogma by the Pontiff Pius IX. Rome- December 2005.
A number of Constantinian knights and dames attended a Solemn Eucharistic celebration presided by the Order’s Grand Prior, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, in the Basilica Santi XII Apostoli in Rome on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Dogma by the late Pope Pius IX.
During the Liturgy, the GrandChancellor of the Order, Marquis Aldo Pezzana Capranica del Grillo, read the Responsorial Psalm, and the President of the Royal Deputation, Prince Paolo Boncompagni Ludovisi, read the Second Lecture. Professor Leonardo Saviano recited the prayer of the faithful.
Among those in attendance were the Rome and Lazio Delegate Prince Alessandrojacopo Ludovisi Altemps, HE the Ambassador of Italy to the Holy See, Giuseppe Balboni Acqua, HE Jean Claude Michel, Ambassador of Monaco to the Holy See, and HE the Prefect of Rome Dr Achille Serra and Princess Elisa Massimo. Following Mass the Constantinian Musical Chapel recited the hymn Tota Pulchra composed by Father Borromini.
In Palermo knights and dames from the Delegation of Sicily, joined the knights and dames in Rome to conclude the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The Cardinal Grand Prior celebrated in the Basilica dei Santi Apostoli in Rome, and Constantinian Chaplain the Most Rev Mgr Salvatore Grimaldi, presided over a ceremony attended by a number of knights and dames from Sicily. During the ceremony Mrs Carla Almirante Romagnoli donated a portrait of the Patron Saint of the Order. Among those in attendance were HE Prefect Gianfranco Romagnoli and General Antonio Jovane.
Following the celebration the Delegation of Palermo distributed several containers of food to the charity associations supported by the Sicilian Delegation and 400 kg of pasta to the charity of the Archdiocese of Monreale.
Duke of Castro and Duke of Calabria invested into the Patriarchal Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem. Damascus – December 2005.
His Beatitude Patriarch Gregorios III of Antioch & all of the East, of Alexandria, and of Jerusalem has bestowed on the Grand Master of the Constantinian Order, HRH The Duke of Castro, the insignia of the Collar decoration Patriarchal Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem at a ceremony held at the Patriarchate of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in central Damascus.
The Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, received the insignia of Knight Grand Cross of the Patriarchal Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem during the same ceremony.
The Patriarch bestowed both awards in recognition of the activities of the Constantinian Order in recent years 
across the Middle East which aims to support the Christian communities in the region and to facilitate greater interfaith understanding and dialogue with all other faiths.
The awards were received on behalf of the Grand Master and the Grand Prefect by Mr Anthony Bailey, Delegate for Great Britain and Ireland, who was visiting Damascus together with Council Member and former Garter King of Arms of the United Kingdom, Sir Conrad Swan.
Constantinian Order Novara Delegation sponsors charity debutants ball. Novara- November 2005.
The Order’s Delegation of Novara headed by Mr Claudio Limontini sponsored the traditional Debutants Balls “Vienna on the Lake” in the small town of Stresa. Twenty young girls from across Italy escorted by twenty sea cadets from the Academy of Livorno, took part in this event, which was organised under the patronage of the City of Vienna, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and by the Embassies of Austria to the Holy See and to the Italian Republic.
All funds raised were given to the retirement homes and the centres of social assistance as well as to the association Croce Costantiniana Onlus. Among the guests in attendance were Prince Augusto Ruffo di Calabria, Cesare Talpini from Pavia, several military and civil representatives and a number of Constantinian knights and dames.
The Duke of Calabria presents a donation to the President of the Italian Cancer Research Association. Naples - November 2005.
HRH The Duke of Calabria attended a fundraising evening of the Italian Cancer Research Association at the Excelsior Hotel in Naples organized by the Delegation of Campania.
During the ceremony the Grand Prefect presented a donation on behalf of the Constantinian knights and dames to the President of the Association in Campania, Duchess Gloria Frezza di San Felice. At the conclusion of the event His Royal Highness visited our confrere His Excellency Prefect Renato Profili. The visit to Naples ended with ceremony in the Palatine Chapel of the Town Hall organised by HE The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Italian Republic His Excellency Mr Michal Radlicki. The Duke of Calabria was accompanied by Mr Nicola Parascandolo, Vice Secretary General of the Order, Councillor Mariano Bruno and by Dr Eugenio Donadoni.
Constantinian Order’s Cardinal Grand Prior visits the Delegation of Sicily. Palermo –November 2005.
The Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, paid a visit to the Order’s Delegation of Sicily and presided over a number of events. On arrival at the airport His Eminence was met by the Order’s Sicilian Delegate Dr Antonio di Janni as well as by Monsignor Salvatore Grimaldi and Dr Francesco D’Alba.
The delegation then visited the Church of San Francesco di Sales where in the presence of the Vice Mayor of Palermo, our confrere Dario Falzone, unveiled the information stand for the prevention against hypertension created by the doctors from the Constantinian Medical Centre.
Following this the Grand Prior paid a visit to the prestigious Palazzo d’Orleans - the Seat of 
the Region where His Eminence was received by the Commissar of the State HE Mr Carlo Fanfara and by Mr Francesco Scoma to decorate the Gonfalon of the Region with the Gold Benemerenti Medal of the Order.
Following this visit the Cardinal met the children of the institute Madre Serafina Farolfi for lunch.This institute receives financial support andassistance from the knightsand dames of the Order.
During the afternoon Cardinal Pompedda presided over the solemn investiture ceremony in the Cathedral of Monreale. Among those who received theConstantinian Cross were HEThe Prefect Dr Carlo Fanara, HE Mr Giosuè Marino, Prefect of 
Palermo, Mr Antonio Papania, Dr Antonio Dellinoci, Prof Lorenzo Lo Monaco and Prof Gaetano Dal Negro, and General Esposito, Commander of the Carabinieri Corps of the Region of Sicily.
During the final day the Grand Prior inaugurated the Croce Costantiniana Onlus of Sicily in Palermo. The visit ended with the Eucharistic celebration in the Constantinian Basilica della Magione.
Constantinian Order host charity gala event in aid of the elderly. Rome- November 2005.
A charity gala event to raise funds for the elderly took place at the Opera Theatre in Rome on the occasion of the preview of the play The Somnambulist by Vincenzo Bellini. Among the Constantinian knights and dames in attendance were Princess Delfina Massimo Lancellotti, the State Major Head of Defence, Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, the General of the Carabinieri Corps Paolo Di Noia, the Ambassador Alessandro Quadroni and Carla Fendi, His Eminence Pio, Cardinal Laghi, and Mgr Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo.
The event took place under the Patronage of the Constantinian Order, Countess Marisa Pinto Olori del Poggio and the Association Messangers of Peace. Nobel Award Winner Rita Levi Montalcini was the guest of honour during the evening.
Constantinian Knight Cardinal Giuseppe Caprio dies. Vatican City – October 2005.
It is with profound sadness that the Office of Liturgical Ceremonies of the Constantinian Order has learnt of the death of His Eminence Giuseppe, Cardinal Caprio. His Eminence was first invested into the Constantinian Order in 1979 and was later elevated to the rank of Ecclesiastical Bailiff Knight Grand Cross of Justice with the Collar decoration on 24 December 1988.
Born in Lapio (Italy) on 15 November 1914, Giuseppe Caprio studied philosophy and Catholic theology in Rome, before being received into the priesthood on 17 December 1938. After a further period of study, in 1940 he joined the Secretariat of State of the Vatican City State where he remained until 1947. From 1947 to 1951 he was Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature in China, where the Communist regime placed him under arrest for three months before finally expelling him.
From 1951 to 1954 he worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Belgium and from 1954 to 1959 he was Visitator and Head of the Apostolic Delegation in South Vietnam. From 1959 to 1961 he carried out diplomatic duties in Taiwan. In 1961 Pope John XXIII appointed him Titular Archbishop of Apollonia. Gregoire-Pierre XV Cardinal Agagianian performed his Episcopal ordination.
Cardinal Caprio took part in the Second Vatican Council and in 1967 became Pro-Nuncio in India. From 1969 onward he held a variety of important administrative positions in the Vatican. In 1979 Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal Deacon. His titular church was Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, part of the College of Cardinals in Via Tuscolana. At the same time, the pope appointed him President of the Administration of the Patrimony. In 1981 he became President of the Prefecture of the Economic Affairs of the Holy See. In January 1990 Pope John Paul II raised him to the rank of Cardinal Priest, allocating him the titular church of Santa Maria della Vittoria. Giuseppe Cardinal Caprio was also appointed by the late Holy Father as the Cardinal Grand Prior of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem from 1988 to 1995.
As he was already over 80 years of age, Cardinal Caprio was unable to take part in the Conclave which followed the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005. He passed away on 15 October 2005 and His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI attended his funeral service which took place in Rome on 18 October 2005.
Constantinian Order Delegation attends Chinese National Day Reception. Rome - September 2005.
On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan), The Ambassador of the Republic of China to the Holy See, His Excellency Mr Chou Seng Tou and his wife warmly received a Delegation of the Constantinian Order headed by Professor Leonardo Saviano, Attaché to HRH The Duke of Calabria, and the Tito Lucrezio Rizzo, Head Counsellor of the Presidency of the Italian Republic.
Constantinian Order Delegations across the world hold Celebratory Masses on the occasion of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Rome - September 2005.
Constantinian Order Delegations across the world celebrated the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, symbol of the Constantinian Order with celebratory Masses and by helping the poor.
The Grand Master also joined in the prayers of the knights and dames of the Order.
Constantinian Order and Italian Red Cross jointly hold a charity event to support the youth of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Abruzzi – August 2005.
The Constantinian Order Delegation of Abruzzi and Molise together with the Italian Red Cross, organised a charity gala evening to raise funds for the project 700 Square Meters of Hope - a venture in support of the young people of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The event was promoted by the Red Cross nurses of the Department in Tagliacozzo, and was coordinated by its President Baroness Maria Pia Fratoddi, a Dame of the Constantinian Order. His Excellency Professor Miroslav Palameta, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Holy See was the guest of honour.
Among those in attendance were numerous Constantinian knights and dames, Red Cross nurses, volunteers, the CRI Regional President, Professor Maria Teresa Letta, the Attaché to HRH The Duke of Calabria, Professor Leonardo Saviano, the Delegate of the Tagliacozzo CRI Department Mr Luigi Lazzaro, the Mostar City Parish Priest, The Rev Kreso Puijlic and the Master of Ceremonies of the Order, Mr Vincenzo Giovagnorio.
His Eminence Josip, Cardinal Bozanic, appointed Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice of Constantinian Order. Zagreb–August 2005.
On 15 August 2005 by order of the Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Castro, appointed His Eminence Josip, Cardinal Bozanic, Archbishop of Zagreb, as a Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.
He was ordained a priest on 29 June 1975 and served in various pastoral and curial roles in the diocese of Krk, including as the Bishop's secretary as well as teaching at the local seminary.
His late Holiness Pope John Paul II appointed him Coadjutor Bishop of Krk on 10 May 1989 and was consecrated on 25 June 1989 in Krk by Cardinal Franjo Kuharic, Archbishop of Zagreb. He succeeded to full governance of the diocese of Krk on 14 November 1989. He was appointed administrator of the Archdiocese of Rijeka-Senj on 5 June 1996 and was later appointed Archbishop of Zagreb on 5 July 1997.
He is President of the Croatian Conference of Bishops and Vice-President of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences.
Pope John Paul II elevated him to the Sacred College of Cardinals on 21 October 2003.
Grand Prior Visits Rizzoli Orthopedic Institutes. Bologna - June 2005.
His Eminence, Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order, visited the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institutes in Bologna situated within the ancient complex of "San Michele in Bosco".
His Eminence was greeted by the head of the clinic Danilo Morini and other members of the medical staff. The same day the Grand Prior, escorted by Professor Emilio Franzoni, Head Physician of the Hospital, visited the Pediatric Clinic of Saint Orsola.
The Cardinal expressed his admiration for the humanitarian and charitable activities carried out by the Constantinian knights and Dames. During his visit to Bologna, the Cardinal was accompanied by Consul Augusto Spaggiari who is the Bolognese delegate of the Constantinian Order.
Solemn Mass and Investiture Ceremony held at the Church of the Saints Vitale and Agricola. Bologna - May 2005.
The Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order, Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda celebrated a solemn mass in the Church of the Saints Vitale and Agricola which is part of the Basilica of Santo Stefano in Bologna. This ancient church was consigned to the Constantinian Order in 1921 by Cardinal Nasalli Rocca di Corneliano, Archbishop of Bologna.
over the investiture ceremony of new Constantinian knights. Among them were Dr Paolo Roberti and his sons Jacopo and Tommaso, the Reverend Dom Sergio Livi, Dean of the Basilica, General Maurizio Gualdi, General Giangiacomo Ca, Colonel Agostino Papa, Consul Augusto Spaggiari, President Bruno Filetti, Professor Emilio Franzoni, Professor Carlo Ventura, Dr Samuele Barillà, Dr Franco Desiderio and Mrs Costanza Spaggiari.
Major Exhibition Opened Under the Patronage of the Royal House of Bourbon. Caserta - June 2005.
Amidst the beautiful background of the Royal Palace of Caserta HRH The Duchess of Calabria opened a major exhibition featuring the Crown jewels of the Royal Palace of Caserta of the XVIII century. The Duchess was welcomed by the Superintendent of the Royal Palace and Constantinian Dame, Dr Giovanna Petrenga, Constantinian Knight Dr Carlo Schilardi, Prefect of Caserta, and by the President of the Province of Caserta, Alessandro de Francis. For the occasion The Duchess of Calabria was escorted by Professor Leonardo Saviano, member of the scientific committee of the exhibition.
The exhibition will be open until 30 October 2005 and is under the patronage of The President of the Italian Republic, the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies and of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George. Our Order has also offered for the whole period of the exhibition, a precious marble sculpture of Charles III.
Sicilian Delegation Welcomes 50 Children from Georgia to the Island. Sicily - June 2005.
The Constantinian dames and knights from Sicily received 50 children from Tbilisi in Georgia who will spend there summer holidays on the island. Thanks to the financial support offered by the association "Amade Italia", coordinated in Sicily by Constantinian knight Dr Antonio Di Janni, these children have been offered the possibility to spend three months in Sicily hosted by the Municipality.
Grand Prior attends Middle East Peace Conference. Vatican City - May 2005.
The Grand Prior of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, attended a conference entitled "Towards peace in the Middle East" which was held in the Conference Hall of the Chamber of Deputies and was organised by the Embassy of Israel to the Holy See and by the Political Charity Association of Pontifical Right.
Sicilian Delegation organises Charity Concert. Palermo - May 2005.
After many years the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George returned to the Church of the "Magione" in Palermo. The Sicilian Delegation of Sicily of the Constantinian Order organised a charity concert for the Parish of the church of Father Giacomo Ribaldo, to raise funds for the restoration of the interior of the Church of "Magione". Many
Constantinian knights and dames took part in this event together with many civil and military authorities.
The concert was directed by Zimmardi and the artistic director was Constantinian knight Prof Alberto Gioacchino. Prof Domenico Scapati, President of the "Congregazione della Basilica alla Magione" also attended the concert and at the end of the performance thanked all the Constantinian dames and knights in attendance who had given so generously towards the restoration of the artistic works.
Archbishop of Ratiara dies. Ratiara - May 2005.
It is with profound sadness that the Office of Liturgical Ceremonies of the Constantinian Order, has learnt of the death of His Excellency The Most Reverend Monsignor Mariano Oles, Archbishop of Ratiara and Ecclesiastical Knight Grand Cross of Grace of the Constantinian Order.
Grand Prior Cardinal Pompedda maintains role as Ecclesiastical Counsellor to the Constantinian Order under Pope Benedict XVI. Vatican City – April 2005.
His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, following the death of His late Holiness Pope John Paul II automatically continues as Ecclesiastical Counsellor to the Constantinian Order under the new pontificate of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Cardinal Pompedda was appointed by the late Pope John Paul II to this post for a canonical period of five years commencing on 1 November 2003.
Duke and Duchess of Calabria attend State Funeral of Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Monte Carlo – April 2005.
The Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, together with HRH The Duchess of Calabria, attended the State Funeral of His late Serene Highness Prince Rainier III of Monaco which was held at the Cathedral in Monte Carlo on Friday 15 April 2005.
Their Royal Highnesses following the Funeral offered condolences on behalf of the Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Castro, and all the knights and dames of the Constantinian Order to the principality’s new ruler, HSH Prince Albert II and other members of the Princely Family of Monaco. The Duke and Duchess of Calabria, also met with many of the other royal and state officials present for the occasion.
Duke and Duchess of Calabria attend State Funeral of Pope John Paul II. Vatican City – April 2005.
The Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, together with HRH The Duchess of Calabria, attended the State Funeral of His late Holiness Pope John Paul II which was held at St Peter’s in the Vatican City on Friday 8 April 2005.
Their Royal Highnesses following the Funeral offered condolences on behalf of the Grand Master and the members of the Constantinian Order to numerous senior Vatican and Church officials and also met with many of the other royal and state officials present for the occasion.
President of Lebanon is awarded the Collar decoration of the Constantinian Order. Rome – April 2005.
The Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, in the name of the Grand Master and Head of the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies, HRH The Duke of Castro, promoted HE General Emile Lahoud, President of the Republic of Lebanon, to the grade and dignity of the Collar decoration of the Constantinian Order.
This follows the Lebanese President’s investiture in spring 2004, as a Knight Grand Cross with Gold Star within the Special Category at the ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Beirut.
The promotion ceremony took place at the Hotel Hassler in Rome and was attended by leading Lebanese and Order officials.
The Duchess of Calabria gives birth to her second child on the first day of the New Year. Rome - January 2005.
The Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, in a statement issued by the Grand Magistry in Rome, announced the birth of his second child. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Calabria gave birth to the couple's second daughter, HRH Princess Maria Chiara Amalia Carola Louise Carmen Bourbon Two Sicilies.
The Princess was born at one minute past midnight on 1 January 2005 at the Mater Dei clinic in Rome assisted by Professor Cavalieri and his team. Princess Maria Chiara became the first baby to be born in the city of Rome of 2005.
Both Princess Maria Chiara and the Duchess of Calabria are doing well and are resting at home in Rome.
The Delegate for the British and Irish Delegation, HE Mr Anthony Bailey, extended congratulations and best wishes to Their Royal Highnesses on behalf of all the knights and dames in Britain and Ireland.The Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Castro, accompanied by HRH The Duchess of Castro, and our Grand Prefect, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, together with HRH The Duchess of Calabria, joined over 1000 prominent personalities at this event. A statue of Saint George was also unveiled by the Duke of Calabria in the Cathedral of Monaco offering future visitors a permanent reminder of the patron saint of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order.
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