On Monday, 1 December 2025, the Most Reverend Maurizio Aloise, Archbishop of Rossano-Cariati, received in audience representatives from the Alto Ionio Cosentino Section of the Calabria Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George. The representation was led by the Section Representative, Dr. Antonio Coiro, Knight of Office, in the presence of the interim Delegate for Calabria, H.E. the Marquess Don Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice, Lieutenant for Southern Peninsular Italy of the Order’s Royal Commission for Italy.
The cordial meeting took place at the heart of an ecclesial reality of great history and tradition. The Archdiocese of Rossano-Cariati traces its roots back to the first Christian millennium. Rossano was one of the main centers of Italo-Greek monasticism and a spiritual and cultural point of reference for the entire Eastern Mediterranean. The City still preserves precious evidence of its Byzantine identity, including the famous Codex Purpureus Rossanensis, one of the oldest illuminated Gospels in the world, declared a UNESCO heritage artifact in 2015. The local Church has always been committed to the preservation of the Faith, the promotion of culture, and closeness to those most in need.
The meeting, rich in content, took place at the archiepiscopal palace of Rossano, near the cathedral in the historic heart of Rossano, a district of the municipality of Corigliano-Rossano in the Province of Cosenza, Italy. The cathedral, built in the 11th century on a previous Byzantine structure, houses in a niche of the central nave the icon of Maria Santissima Achiropita (“not painted by human hand”), venerated since the 12th century and a devotional symbol of the City.
In this historical and spiritual context, Archbishop Maurizio Aloise shared with the representatives of the Constantinian Order a reflection on the pastoral and social challenges affecting Calabria, a region still marked by widespread poverty and various forms of fragility. He emphasized the need for concrete ecclesial action, rooted in Gospel values and attentive to the needs of families and individuals in difficulty. He stressed the necessity of a living and courageous ecclesial presence capable of embodying the Gospel in everyday situations, so that the Church may truly be a beacon of hope for those experiencing confusion or suffering.
He underlined the urgency of a pastoral approach that unites listening, closeness, and concrete action, promoting material and spiritual support initiatives while valuing the role of local associations and charitable organizations. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between civil institutions, ecclesial bodies, and chivalric orders such as the Constantinian Order, which—through their work and service—can contribute to building a stable and lasting network of solidarity that effectively responds to the needs of the most vulnerable.
The Archbishop’s address offered a broad and deeply human vision of the challenges faced by the Calabrian community, combining realism, pastoral sensitivity, and a strong appeal to shared commitment.
Subsequently, H.E. the Marquess Don Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli illustrated the mission of the Constantinian Order—a centuries-old commitment that unites fidelity to the Christian tradition with active Christian charity, a fundamental pillar of Constantinian action. He recalled that the Constantinian Order, faithful to its historical identity of defending the Faith and serving the Roman Catholic Church, is today called to translate these ideals into concrete, people-centered action through initiatives supporting the needy, promoting human dignity, and protecting the most vulnerable segments of society.
He emphasized how the Knights, Dames, Postulants, and volunteers of the Order, driven by a spirit of service and a sense of belonging, are engaged throughout Calabria in works of material and spiritual assistance—from distributing essential goods to educational and training projects, from helping families in difficulty to collaborating with parishes and associations. In particular, he highlighted the strong presence of the Order in the most fragile areas of Calabria, where the Constantinian presence serves as a concrete sign of closeness, witness, and care for the least, in the spirit of Gospel values and in accordance with the directives of the Grand Master, HRH Prince Don Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta, Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies.
The interim Delegate for Calabria’s words reaffirmed the Order’s deeply rooted commitment to acting with discretion, dedication, and fraternal spirit, contributing to the construction of a network of solidarity capable of supporting the community and nurturing hope.
At the conclusion of the meeting, H.E. the Marquess Don Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli presented Archbishop Maurizio Aloise with the book L’Ordine Costantiniano di San Giorgio. Storia, governo, rapporti con la Repubblica Italiana, procedure autorizzative, decorazioni, porto delle insegne by Dr. Alessandro Scandola.
Following the meeting, the interim Delegate for Calabria stated:
“In Archbishop Aloise we have found a pastor who cares sensitively for those most in need. The harmony that emerged represents a precious basis for future collaboration in the service of our communities.”
An Evening of Fellowship in Corigliano-Rossano
On the evening prior to the meeting at the episcopal palace in Rossano, the Alto Ionio Cosentino Section shared a moment of fraternity in Corigliano-Rossano, in the presence of the interim Delegate for Calabria and the Section Representative for Alto Ionio Cosentino. The convivial evening, characterized by a spirit of cordiality, sharing, and communion, offered an opportunity to discuss future commitments.
