On Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., at the Church of San Giuseppe dei Nudi—Magistral Chapel of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, located at Via San Giuseppe dei Nudi 72 in Naples— a conference entitled Chivalric Orders between History and Present Perspectives was held. The initiative forms part of the cultural and educational activities promoted by the Delegation of Naples and Campania of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, with the aim of exploring the historical and contemporary role of chivalric orders, highlighting their spiritual, social, and cultural function in today’s context, with the participation of academics, historians, and experts on chivalric orders.
The conference opened with welcome addresses by Count Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona, of the Dukes of Laurenzana, Neapolitan Patrician, Knight of Justice, Delegate for Naples and Campania of the Constantinian Order; Attorney Ugo de Flaviis, Knight of Merit with Silver Star, President of the Fondazione San Giuseppe dei Nudi; Dr. Roberto Razzano, Governor of Serra International Italia – District 72; and Eng. Domenico Salierno, President of the Rotary Club of Naples.
The conference was moderated by Dr. Domenico Dente Gattola, Knight of Merit, President of Club Miglio d’Oro 1085 – Serra International Italia – District 72.
In the academic session, the speakers included Prof. Giulio Sodano, Knight of Merit, Full Professor of Modern History at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” and Director of the Department of Humanities and Cultural Heritage; Attorney Giro Pasquale Sepe, Knight of Merit; and Roberto Tristano, Knight of Magistral Grace of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and Governor of Serra International Italia – District 77.
Alongside the conference, a valuable book was donated to the Fondazione San Giuseppe dei Nudi by Dr. Gesualdo Marotta, Knight of Merit with Silver Star, also on behalf of the Delegation of Naples and Campania, in the presence of Attorney Ugo de Flaviis, President of the hosting Foundation, Count Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona, and Nob. Antonio Masselli, Delegate and Secretary General of the Delegation of Naples and Campania.
The conference represented an important opportunity for reflection on the current significance of chivalric orders, balancing historical continuity with a renewed mission in the contemporary world, for Knights, Dames, postulants, and all those wishing to approach the Constantinian Order. The Delegation for Naples and Campania of the Royal Commission for Italy of the Constantinian Order was represented by Count Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona of the Dukes of Laurenzana, Neapolitan Patrician, Knight of Justice; with Acting Secretary General Nob. Antonio Masselli, Knight de Jure Sanguinis; Acting Head of Communications Prof. Antonio De Stefano, Knight de Jure Sanguinis; and Acting Head of Operational Activities Attorney Valeria Pessetti, Dame of Merit with Silver Star, accompanied by her husband, Attorney Carmine Capasso, Knight of Merit, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Naples. Also present was Nob. Alfredo Buoninconti, Baron of Santa Maria Jacobi, Knight of Justice, Delegate for Campania of the Royal Circle Francesco II of Bourbon.
In introducing the proceedings, the moderator Dr. Domenico Dente Gattola highlighted peace as the central theme of the year. He recalled how equestrian orders, although originally founded to meet strict military needs, have evolved over the centuries into distinguished promoters of peace.
Subsequently, Count Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona outlined the nature of chivalry in today’s Christian world, emphasizing that while remaining firmly rooted in the past, a knight must look toward the future. He stressed the vital importance of training programs to provide concrete and charitable responses to the challenges faced by people in contemporary society.
Attorney Ugo de Flaviis described the conference theme as “evocative,” as it lends itself to demonstrating the enduring nature of the chivalric vocation, whose present-day relevance is suggested by the widespread knowledge of the Arthurian cycle and equestrian-themed cinema. He highlighted the tireless contribution of volunteerism—availability and service—which, although its focus has evolved over time, retains its essential spirit of courtesy. He expressed the hope that the promotion of chivalry would not remain confined to a select few but become more widely known.
Dr. Domenico Dente Gattola further observed that the role of associations is not always adequately recognized, despite representing the positive contributions of the healthy part of society.
Dr. Roberto Razzano emphasized that belonging to such organizations is not merely an exercise in nostalgia. These institutions, despite differences in structure and purpose, are united by a common service and a way of life inspired by Christian values. The services they provide are not relics of the past but respond to present and urgent needs. He noted that the purpose of the meeting was to look beyond appearances and the prestige of external symbols. History provides identity, but it is in the present that it must be lived authentically, through a spirit grounded in the defense of truth, concrete solidarity, and the formation of consciences. He stressed the importance of building vibrant communities capable of combining belonging with action, always maintaining a balance between spiritual dimension and practical commitment. Concluding, he thanked the Serra Club Miglio d’Oro for promoting this moment of cultural and spiritual growth and underlined how its presence in the territory testifies to the possibility, within the Catholic sphere, of fostering fruitful dialogue between culture and the human dimension. He also extended special greetings to the members of the Constantinian Order, whose long tradition and dedication serve as an inspiration to continue working for the common good.
Finally, Eng. Domenico Salierno, President of the Rotary Club of Naples, expressed hope for fruitful operational collaboration, assuring full availability to accept invitations to cooperate in assisting those in need.
