The fourth Constantinian Medical Days took place on Saturday 8 June 2024 from 08.30 am to 12.30 pm, at the Sant’Antonio-Opera Don Orione Sanctuary in via Beato Luigi Orione in Reggio Calabria. The event was organized by the Section of the Cities of Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia of the Calabrian Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, coordinated by Dr. Emanuele Scarlata, Knight of Merit with Silver Star. The medical specialist visits were carried out completely free of charge to patients. The previous day, Friday 7 June 2024, an organizational meeting of the Delegation took place in Corigliano-Rossano, on a day characterized by high heat.

Excellent turnout at the Constantinian Medical Days in Reggio Calabria

The charitable initiative of the Constantinian Medical Days of 8 June 2024 was aimed in particular – as previously – at needy people who cannot access medical visits and prevention. It made use of the contribution of specialist volunteer doctors, well known in the area, who offered free advice and medical visits to promote people’s health. The initiative also enjoyed spiritual support thanks to the presence of Father Giovanni Gattuso, Chaplain of Merit; Father Graziano Bonfitto, Director of the Don Orione Opera of Reggio Calabria; by Father Domenico Foti; and Father Giovanni Zappalà.

The initiative saw the presence of the Constantinian Order’s interim Delegate for Calabria, H.E. the Marquis Don Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli, Knight of Justice, Lieutenant for Southern Peninsular Italy of the Royal Commission for Italy, and of the Deputy Delegate, the Nob. Dr. Candido Francica di Panaya, Knight of Jure Sanguinis.

n response to the delicate economic situation, which we continue to experience, to implement a program of free specialist visits for those who cannot afford it or cannot wait the long waiting lists of the National Health System, the Constantinian Medical Days – already successfully proposed in the previous three years  – make use of the resources made available by the Italian Red Cross-Committee of Reggio Calabria, by the Onlus Hospital Volunteers Association of Reggio Calabria, by the Misericordie Reggio Calabria and by the Section of City of Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia of the Calabrian Delegation of the Constantinian Order, Lieutenant for Southern Peninsular Italy of the Royal Commission for Italy.

The initiative enjoyed the sponsorship of some bodies, associations and local entities, including the Order of Surgeons and Dentists-Reggio Calabria, the Calabria-Spain Cultural Association, the International Rescue Corps – O.d.V., the Regional Council of Calabria, the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria and the Municipality of Reggio Calabria.

The medical volunteers provided assistance and advice in the following medical specialities and branches: angiology, cardiology, dermatology, hematology, hypertension nephrology, preventive oncology, ENT-audiometry, pulmonology, rheumatology, pain therapy, psychiatry and psychology.

Since its inception, the Constantinian Medical Days have availed themselves of the scientific coordination of Dr. Emanuele Scarlata, Knight of Merit with Silver Star, Representative for the Section of the Cities of Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia of the Calabrian Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, supported by the Knights of Merit Dr. Luciano Lucania, Dr. Pasquale Romeo and Attorney Antonio Barbalace; by the Knight of the Office Dr. Antonio Filippone; and by Postulants Dr. Marco Scaramozzino, Dr. Carlo Mollica and Dr. Dominella Mesiano.

“Our goal has always been to serve the community, especially people in situations of need. We are happy to see so many people participating and receiving the support they need. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of solidarity and collaboration between medical professionals and volunteers committed to caring for the community. The hope is that events like this can continue to grow and offer support to those who need it most. The day ended with the satisfaction of all those present, both patients and volunteers, confirming the importance of such initiatives in strengthening the social fabric of the city,” declared Dr. Emanuele Scarlata.

His Excellency the Marquis Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli reiterated that “unfortunately, there are problems and to be able to make a visit, one has to wait increasingly longer times. We therefore decided to reach out to the population, especially the less well-off, to help them have free and quick access to a series of activities in the medical field ranging from cardiology to dermatology and other medical activities. The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George is sacred and military; naturally its sacredness lies precisely in being able to reach out to our neighbors who are in difficulty and here, the military part serves to be even closer to the population. We were born as soldiers almost 1500 years ago and, today, we are soldiers without weapons: we are always turned towards our neighbor.”

Organizational meeting in Corigliano-Rossano

The previous day, Friday 7 June 2024, an organizational meeting of the Calabrian Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George took place in the province of Cosenza. The meeting was in Corigliano-Rossano, the result of the 2018 merger of the municipalities of Corigliano Calabro and Rossano, thus making it the largest municipality in the region, and the third largest by population. The development initiative was established on 23 April 2024 by the President of the Royal Commission for Italy, H.E. Prince Flavio Borghese, of the Princes of Sulmona and Montecompatri, Knight Grand Cross of Justice, and the consequent membership of the Knights and Ladies of Calabria, previously part of other Delegations.

The interim Delegate for Calabria, H.E. the Marquis Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli, Knight of Justice, Lieutenant for Southern Peninsular Italy – accompanied by the Secretary General of the Delegation, Dr. Domenico D’Auria, Knight of Merit and by the Communications Director Dr. Roberto M. Naso Naccari Carlizzi, Knight of Merit – was welcomed by Antonio Coiro and Salvatore Senatore, Knights of Office, together with some friends of the Order.

The Delegate – who received as a gift an artistic plate representing the ducal castle of Corigliano and local history publications – recalled the mission of the Constantinian Order and reiterated how “closeness to the least among us is fundamental in the spiritual journey of the Knights and Ladies; testimony not only of Faith but also of dedication to others”. He also referred to how “a training course that enhances one’s charisms and sensitivity is fundamental.”

At the end of the organizational meeting in Corigliano-Rossano, an informal breakfast was held at a well-known restaurant in the tourist area of ​​Sibaritide.

 

PHOTOGRAPH ABOVE:  Left to right:  Dr. Luciano Lucania, Dr. Candido Francica di Panaya, H.E. the Marquis Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli (the Constantinian Order’s interim Delegate for Calabria) and Dr. Emanuele Scarlata