Rome – February 2004. The Constantinian Order and the Carabinieri Corps of Italy jointly organised an important humanitarian mission to Nassiriyah in Iraq. This charitable activity in favour of the Iraqi people is part of the wider National Peacekeeping Military Operation “Ancient Babylon” of the Italian Military Forces in Iraq.
The Order succeeded in donating medical and other equipment totalling more than €700,000 in an effort which was approved by HE The Hon Franco Frattini, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Minister Frattini in a message sent to the Order welcomed the co-operation with the Constantinian Order. The joint-operation was carried out under the lead of Constantinian knight Leonardo Albanesi, Major of the 7th “Trentino Alto Adige” Carabinieri Regiment and by Commander Arrigo Sabarbaro.
The generous participation of so many knights and dames from Northern Italy represented the continuation of the Constantinian Order’s prominent role in humanitarian and hospitaller assistance.Shortly before the departure of the ship ‘Romea’ a religious ceremony was held in Molfalcone harbour by HE Mgr Arnaldo Greco, Constantinian Chaplain.
The ceremony was attended by HE The Prefect of Gorizia, Signor Pasquale Vergone; the Regional Commander of the Carabinieri Corps for the Friulia Venetia Julia Region, General Mario Basile; the Commander of Monfalcone Harbour, Commander Goffredo Bon; the Order’s Delegate for the Triveneto Region, Commander Paolo Bellieni; Commander Arrigo Sbarbaro; Major Leonardo Albanesi together with a delegation from the 7th “Trentino Alto Adige” Regiment, the 13th “Friulia Venetia Julia” Regiment, and many other Constantinian Knights.