Desiring to give concrete expression to the unity of purpose and collaboration that have existed for some time, the Delegations of Naples and Campania and Calabria of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, led by Count Don Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona dei Duchi di Laurenzana (of the Dukes of Laurenzana), Patrician of Naples, Knight of Justice, and the Delegation of Apulia and Basilicata, led by Attorney Dario de Letteriis, Knight Grand Cross of Jure Sanguinis, MP, decided to begin a shared journey, starting from a significant liturgical period such as Lent—a time of listening, grace, conversion, and growth—which can represent the quid novi et pluris of the militancy of the confrères and consoeurs in the Constantinian Order.

Accordingly, drawing inspiration from the best traditions of religious chivalric orders, the Delegates convened the First Interdelegational Chapter, under the theme In actione contemplativi, to listen to and meditate on the Word of God, to be reconciled with the Lord, and to rediscover the identity and vocation of Constantinian Knights and Dames.

The meeting took place beginning at 9:30 a.m. on 21 March 2026, the Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent, at the Convent of the Most Holy Saviour in the municipality of Melfi, Italy, in the province of Potenza and Diocese of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa, in the far north of Basilicata, near the borders with Campania and Apulia.

The choice of Melfi for the meeting is set within a context of extraordinary historical and symbolic value. An ancient seat of Emperor Frederick II, the city was one of the principal centers of his activity; here, on 1 September 1231, he promulgated the famous Constitutions of Melfi. In view of 2032, a significant anniversary connected with this event, the region is preparing for a path of remembrance and renewal, intertwined with the spiritual journey of the Constantinian Order.

In a time marked by cultural and spiritual challenges, this First Interdelegational Chapter represents a concrete sign of communion and a significant stage in the journey of the Constantinian Order in southern peninsular Italy, called to bear witness in history to the values of tradition, Faith, and charity.

An ancient Order – A new spirit

The Chapter began at 10:00 a.m. with the first meditation, titled Contemplativi, guided by the diocesan spiritual assistant of the Potenza Section of the Delegation of Apulia and Basilicata, Father Gerardo Lasalvia, Chaplain of Merit, parochial administrator of Santa Maria Maggiore in Abriola, Archdiocese of Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo.

This was followed by the “time of the desert” and the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation—an opportunity to ask forgiveness from God and receive His mercy—concluding with the recitation of the Holy Rosary.

Subsequently, at 12:30 p.m., the solemn Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by His Excellency the Most Reverend Ciro Fanelli, Bishop of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa.

After lunch, the second meditation, titled In actione, followed, with interventions by the Delegate for Naples and Campania and the interim Delegate for Calabria, Count Don Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona dei Duchi di Laurenzana (of the Dukes of Laurenzana), Knight of Justice, and by the Delegate for Apulia and Basilicata, Attorney Dario de Letteriis, Knight Grand Cross of Jure Sanguinis, MP.

Knights, Dames, Chaplains, postulants, benefactors, and friends of the Order from the Delegations of Naples and Campania, Apulia and Basilicata, and Calabria participated in the First Interdelegational Chapter, united by the desire to strengthen communion and undertake a path of cross-delegational collaboration founded on spiritual life and service. In the intentions of the Delegates, this gathering is intended to become an annual traditional event, marking each year a moment of pause, evaluation, and renewal of Christian and chivalric-religious vocation.

The groups were guided by their respective Delegates, Count Don Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona dei Duchi di Laurenzana and Attorney Dario de Letteriis, accompanied by his spouse, Dr. Elena Pistillo de Letteriis, Dame of Merit, together with members of the Delegational Councils:

of Naples and Campania: the interim Vice Delegate, Marquis Don Carlo de Gregorio Cattaneo di Sant’Elia, Marquis of Squillace and Duke of Noja, Prince of Sant’Elia, Knight of Justice; the interim Secretary General, Nob. Antonio Masselli, Knight of Jure Sanguinis; the interim Head of Communications, Prof. Antonio De Stefano, Knight of Merit with Silver Star; the interim Head of Operational Activities, Attorney Valeria Pessetti, Dame of Merit with Silver Star, accompanied by her spouse, Attorney Carmine Capasso, Knight of Merit, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka; and the Chief Chaplain, Fra’ Sergio Galdi d’Aragona, OFM, Chaplain of Justice;

of Calabria: the Vice Delegate, Nob. Dr. Candido Francica Ajossa, Knight of Justice; the Secretary General, Dr. Domenico D’Auria, Knight of Merit with Silver Star; the Inter-Sectional Coordinator, Marika Biamonte, Dame of Merit; the Councillor, Maurizio Capano, Knight of Merit; and the Representative for the City of Cosenza, Dr. Mario Loria, Knight of Merit;

of Apulia and Basilicata: the Head of Communications and Ceremonial, Dr. Andrea Nicoletti, Knight of Merit; the Representative for Capitanata, Nob. Dr. Ettore Fraccacreta, Knight of Jure Sanguinis; the Representative for Terra d’Otranto, Capt. Giuseppe Giacovazzo, Knight of Merit with Silver Star; the Representative for Terra di Bari, Attorney Gaetano Lacerenza, Knight of Merit with Silver Star; the Representative for Potenza, Dr. Davide Dragonetti, Knight of Merit; and the diocesan spiritual assistant of the Potenza Section, Father Gerardo Lasalvia, Chaplain of Merit.

The First Meditation — “Contemplativi”

Introducing the first meditation, Father Gerardo Lasalvia emphasized the profound meaning of the meeting, highlighting it as an authentic opportunity for spiritual growth and fraternal sharing, as well as the value of the location, rich in history and spirituality. He invited participants to live this time as preparation and renewal, also in view of celebrations connected to the Constitutions of Melfi.

He then centered the meditation on the “fragrance of Bethany,” referring to the anointing of Jesus by Mary, sister of Lazarus, with precious nard oil (John 12:1–11), shortly before Easter. The gesture symbolizes authentic love, total dedication, and the announcement of Christ’s death and resurrection.

The reflection invited participants to consider the “fragrance” of their own lives—the gift received from God—and where they place it. In contrast with Judas’ objection, the meditation emphasized that service to the poor does not replace adoration of Christ but flows from it. Thus, participants were encouraged to place Christ at the center of their lives, recognizing that true renewal springs from the Paschal mystery.

At the conclusion, Monsignor Ciro Guerra, Vicar General of the Diocese of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa, welcomed the members of the Sacred Constantinian Order, emphasizing that belonging to a religious chivalric order must translate into a living journey of Faith and service.

The Eucharistic Celebration

After moments of recollection and meditation, the culmination of the day was the solemn Eucharistic Celebration, presided over at 12:30 p.m. by Bishop Ciro Fanelli. Concelebrants were Fra’ Sergio Galdi d’Aragona, OFM, and Father Gerardo Lasalvia.

The First Reading (Jer 11:18–20) was proclaimed by Dr. Elena Pistillo de Letteriis; the Responsorial Psalm (Ps 7) by Roberta Di Biase; the Gospel (Jn 7:40–53) by Fra’ Sergio Galdi d’Aragona; and the Prayer of the Faithful by Prof. Antonio De Stefano.

In his homily, Bishop Fanelli reflected on the figure of Jeremiah as a prefiguration of the suffering Christ and on the divisions caused by Jesus among the people, inviting participants to remain in Christ, from whom alone true fruitfulness flows. Lent, he noted, is a time of authentic conversion and renewed commitment to love, the fruit expected by the Lord.

The Prayer of the Constantinian Knight

At the conclusion of the Mass, Attorney Dario de Letteriis offered thanks and led the Prayer of the Constantinian Knight.

The Second Meditation — “In actione”

Count Don Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona emphasized the call to concrete commitment, highlighting that membership in a religious chivalric order requires responsibility, service, and authentic Christian charity rooted in faith.

Attorney Dario de Letteriis underlined the historical and symbolic value of the gathering, stressing formation, cultural apostolate, and the importance of authentic vocational discernment for membership in the Order.

Conclusion of the Day

In concluding remarks, Father Gerardo Lasalvia invited participants always to ask, in every action: “How would Christ have acted in my place?” emphasizing that authentic charity flows from conformity to Christ.

Fra’ Sergio Galdi d’Aragona, OFM, then imparted the final blessing using the formula of Saint Francis’ blessing to Brother Leo (September 1224).

Thus, with prayer, the meeting concluded in a spirit of intense participation, laying the foundations for renewed common commitment among the Delegations involved. Leaving the complex of the Most Holy Saviour, participants carried with them a shared experience of fraternity, friendship, and welcome.