Rome – April 2004. On St George’s Day 2004 the Constantinian Order and the City of Rome inaugurated a sensorial garden for Alzheimer patients at the Talenti-Italia Retirement Home in the Italian capital. The Order financially supported the project.
The opening ceremony was jointly conducted by the Order’s Grand Prefect, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria and the Mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni. The Grand Prior of the Order, Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda attended the ceremony together with many leading personalities as well as patients of the retirement home.
This is the first sensorial garden for Alzheimer patients in Rome . Its principal aim is to stimulate senses and strengthen patients’ capabilities. According to the most recent scientific studies, this garden will help reduce certain behavioural disorders that affect patients with Alzheimer’s.
The Grand Prior, Cardinal Pompedda, also celebrated Mass in the chapel of the Retirement Home to celebrate the occasion.
Among those present were: Prince Carlo Giovanelli, Prince Alessandrojacopo Boncompagni Ludovisi Altemps, Delegate of the Constantinian Order in Lazio, Ambassador Thomas Melady Vice-Delegate of the US Delegation, as well as the Welfare Alderman of the Municipality of Rome, Mrs. Raffaela Milano.