Rome, 16 June 2015. The Grand Magistry of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George in Rome is pleased to announce that His Eminence Renato Raffaele Cardinal Martino, Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order and ProtoDeacon of the Holy Roman Church will lead an official delegation to Grenada between 16-18 June 2015 following an invitation issued by the Government of Grenada.
Reason for the Visit
The purpose of this high level visit is to launch a series of major charitable projects in the areas of education, community welfare and national patrimony and to engage with key state, parliamentary and religious authorities to better understand their needs and to agree a further series of worthy charitable projects to be supported by the Order and for the direct benefit the all citizens of Grenada irrespective of their faith background.
This visit follows the successful Official Visit to the Vatican City made in October 2014 by the Prime Minister of Grenada, The Rt Hon Dr Keith Mitchell, MP, which included an Audience with Pope Francis. It also takes place following a meeting between the Prime Minister and the Magistral Delegate of the Constantinian Order, Anthony Bailey OBE and the Order’s Vice Delegate The Rt Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC during which discussions were held around areas of mutual interest.
The visit to Grenada is also part of a wider multi-million dollar charitable programme launched and funded by the Order in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and St Lucia. In Antigua and Barbuda the $4.6 million charitable engagement, in partnership with the Diocese of St John’s-Basseterre, includes projects such as the completion of the Good Samaritan Catholic Church and Community Outreach Centre in Hatton, the redevelopment of St Joseph’s Academy school, the complete renovation of St Joseph’s and St Patrick’s Catholic Church. In Dominica a programme of $1.5 million launched in partnership with the Diocese of Roseau includes a significant contribution towards the restoration of the historic Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral in Roseau, the renovation of St Peter’s Presbytery in Colihaut and the renovation of Our Lady of Morne Carmel Retirement Home in Morne Daniel as well as the rebuilding of the Diocesan Youth Centre in Roseau. In St Lucia the projects funded by the Constantinian Order include the external restoration of the historic Cathedral Basilica of Immaculate Conception in Castries and the publication of ‘How Beautiful the Valley’ a book by Archbishop Robert Rivas, an extraordinary work of 416 pages that reveals the spiritual story, the life and traditions of the Caribbean islands.
Make up of the Delegation
The high level delegation will be led by His Eminence Renato Raffaele Cardinal Martino, Cardinal Proto Deacon of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Migrants of the Holy See, and Grand Prior of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George.
HE Anthony Bailey, OBE, renowned inter-faith and charity campaigner, Magistral Delegate of the Constantinian Order and Secretary General will also lead the delegation to Grenada.
The Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) to Grenada, His Excellency Archbishop Nicola Girasoli, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Castries and Prior of the Order’s Caribbean Delegation, His Grace The Most Rev Robert Rivas, and The Most Rev Vincent Darius Bishop of St George’s will be in attendance.
Visit Programme
During the visit, official meetings will take place between Cardinal Martino and his delegation and senior officials of the Government of Grenada including, HE Dame Cecile La Grenade, GCMG, OBE, Governor General of Grenada, The Rt Hon Dr Keith Mitchell, MP, Prime Minister of Grenada, The Most Rev Vincent Darius, Bishop of St George’s.
The Cardinal Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order His Eminence Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino will con-celebrate Holy Mass at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in St George’s on Wednesday 17 June 2015. The Cardinal will impart an Apostolic Blessing from the Holy Father at the conclusion of mass. To mark this first Official Visit, the programme will also include an institutional exchange of honours.
Charitable Engagement and mission
A key element and the driving force behind the visit to Grenada and the wider region will be the launch of a number of million dollar charitable projects which have been morally and financially supported through donations collected during the past year from the Order’s individual members across the world.
Such charitable projects will include the complete Restoration and Rehabilitation of the Grenada Public Library in St George’s, the New Life Organisation (NEWLO) Vocational Training Project, the St. Joseph’s Convent Education and Training Project, St Patrick Roman Catholic Church, the Dorothy Hopkin Home for the disabled, Top Hill Home in Carriacou, Grand Anse Home for the Aged, Grand Anse Girls Centre and other worthy projects.
Order history and international recognition
The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and the Royal Order of Francis I are ancient and internationally recognised Orders of Knighthood. The Constantinian Order is actively involved in the defence and promotion of the Roman Catholic religion, and together with the multi-faith Royal Order of Francis I, undertakes spiritual, humanitarian, hospitaller and charitable projects and initiatives across the world.
Headquartered in Rome with delegations throughout the world, the Constantinian Order is recognised by decree of the President of the Italian Republic and by many other governments across the world. In 2011 the Constantinian Order was also granted Consultative Status at the United Nations in New York, Geneva and Vienna.
The Constantinian Order enjoys an excellent relationship with the Apostolic See. Over 60 Cardinals and Archbishops from across the world maintain the close relationship enjoyed by the Order with the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Among other members are senior leaders and public figures from the Anglican, Orthodox, Methodist, Protestant, Muslim and Jewish communities.
The Order has been active in charitable projects in the Caribbean since 1981, firstly in St Lucia. Following Official Visits paid by the Grand Master and Cardinal Grand Prior in 2013 and 2014, charitable programmes have been launched in Dominica, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and now in Grenada, with more planned for the period 2015-2016.
The Cardinal Prior of the Caribbean Delegation is His Eminence Kelvin Cardinal Felix, and the Prior of the Delegation is His Grace The Most Reverend Robert Rivas, Archbishop of Castries. The Delegate for the Caribbean is His Excellency Anthony Bailey, OBE, Deputy of the Royal Deputation of the Order and Magistral Delegate for Inter-Religious Relations. The Deputy Priors include the Bishops of St John’s-Basseterre, Roseau, Bridgetown-Kingstown and St George’s.
Among its membership are numerous Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Royalty, faith leaders, diplomats, Ministers, parliamentarians, businessmen, charity workers among those of many other walks of life.
To read more about the Constantinian Order, please click here and here.