On Saturday, 6 December 2025, the feast of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of schoolchildren, a representation of the Alto Ionio Cosentino Section of the Calabria Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, led by the Section Representative, Dr. Antonio Coiro, Knight of Office, delivered essential food supplies, school materials, and small items useful for daily activities to Dr. Caterina La Banca, Headmistress of the paritarian nursery school “Pietro Bonilli” in Cassano all’Ionio. This initiative took place within the framework of the socio-educational project “L’appetito vien studiando” (“Appetite Comes with Learning”), which is based on two fundamental components: meals (nutrition) and after-school support with workshop activities.
This concrete gesture was intended to ease the difficulties faced by families in the area, contribute to the well-being of children, and support the educational work of two educational centers which, in the heart of the historic center of the “City of the Thermal Baths,” represent a stable and welcoming point of reference.
On the same day, on the occasion of the delivery of quilts destined for the community of the Missionaries and Missionary Sisters of the Way, the Constantinian delegation met with His Excellency the Most Reverend Francesco Savino, Bishop of Cassano all’Ionio and Vice President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference for Southern Italy. The quilts, symbols of warmth and protection, represent not only material assistance to face everyday difficulties, but also a tangible sign of closeness and gratitude for those who dedicate their efforts to serving others, often under conditions of great sacrifice and far from their families.
Following a request for support submitted by the Headmistress of the paritarian nursery school “Pietro Bonilli,” who highlighted the need for concrete help to meet the children’s daily needs, the Alto Ionio Cosentino Section promptly organized a collection among Knights, Dames, and Postulants. This immediate response confirmed the attention and sensitivity of the Order toward children and toward those who require greater care. The donation, received with gratitude by staff and teachers, helps strengthen a local support network which becomes even more precious for families, especially during the holiday season. It is a sign of responsibility and care, showing how even small gestures can make Christmas an occasion for genuine closeness and solidarity.
During the cordial meeting held on the occasion of delivering aid to the Missionaries and Missionary Sisters of the Way, the Constantinian delegation conveyed to Bishop Francesco Savino the greetings of the interim Delegate for Calabria, His Excellency the Marquis Don Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice, Lieutenant for Peninsular Southern Italy of the Order’s Royal Commission for Italy, together with a message recalling the founding values of the Order and the spirit of the Christmas season:
“In keeping with the revered Constantinian tradition, which guides us toward active charity and the defense of human dignity, I hope that this Christmas season may renew in each of us our commitment to serving others, promoting hope, solidarity, and care for those in need of greater support.”
Bishop Francesco Savino thanked the Constantinian Order for its socio-charitable and solidarity works carried out in the region. On this occasion, remembrance was also made of the training module “Educating for Legality ‘in the footsteps of Don Peppe Diana’,” the event held on 25 January 2025 in Cassano all’Ionio, which has remained deeply impressed in the hearts of many. During that event, Don Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli, in an intense and focused address centered on the figure of Don Peppe Diana (Servant of God Father Giuseppe Diana), emphasized how the Sacred Constantinian Order—despite its great antiquity—possesses a modern capacity for organization through Delegations throughout Italy and around the world, standing on the front lines in safeguarding the human person, personal integrity, freedom, and the concrete assistance of others in accordance with Christian principles. Don Peppe Diana stands as a symbol of freedom, faith, and love of neighbor, who, through the sacrifice of his life, offered the highest example of service to humanity.
On this intense and meaningful day in the Christmas season, which bears witness to a spirit of remembrance and translates into action the values of solidarity and Christian charity that animate the Constantinian Order—standing close to children, missionaries, and all those in particular need of care and concrete support—these small yet significant gestures show how the Constantinian Order, through tangible actions where they are most needed, is able to bring light, joy, and hope where it is most required.
