London, 26 April 2013. In recognition of his lifetime contribution to furthering peace and justice globally through his various high offices of the Vatican City and the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, the Corporation of the City of London granted the Freedom of the City of London to Constantinian Order’s Grand Prior, His Eminence Renato Raffaele, Cardinal Martino.
The award ceremony was held at the historic Armourers’ Hall in London was attended by over 100 Delegation members, city officials and their guests including Cardinal Cormac, Murphy-O’Connor, Delegate Anthony Bailey and Deputy William Fraser. Following the swearing of the Oath, the Freedom certificate was presented to Cardinal Martino on behalf of the Lord Mayor by Mr Murray Craig, the Chamberlain’s Clerk of the Corporation of City of London.
Cardinal Martino spoke of his delight to receive the ancient Freedom of a city which has a rich and very long religious history. His Eminence spoke of his desire to further even more the strong charitable, humanitarian and inter-religious links which exist between the Constantinian Order and the city of London.
A toast was offered to His Eminence by Sir Gavyn Arthur, past Lord Mayor, who also highlighted the high regard which many in the City had for the work which the Constantinian Order undertakes.