On April 5, 2025, Mass was celebrated for the Calabria Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George at the church of San Giorgio al Corso in Reggio Calabria. The Gospel of this Saturday of the fourth week of Lent (John 7:40-53) shows the few people who tried to defend Jesus. The temple guards did not want to arrest him, and Nicodemus timidly supported him. In today’s world, we too timidly try to defend those who are unjustly persecuted. Sometimes it is in the international arena that a great power is denied – very timidly – the right to oppress a people. The drama of the judgement suffered by Christ, followed by his arrest and crucifixion, as reported in today’s Gospel, still endures in human history. Who is each of us today in the drama of rejected contemporary prophets, and in the current drama of Jesus Christ and his Gospel? Jesus? Nicodemus? The temple guards?
The Mass in preparation for Easter Sunday was attended by Deputy Delegate, Dr. Candido Francica, Knight of Jure Sanguinis; General Secretary Dr. Domenico d’Auria, Knight of Merit; External Relations Officer Dr. Marika Biamonte, Dame of Office; Master of Ceremonies and Representative for the City of Reggio Calabria, Attorney Massimo Seminara, Knight of Merit; Liaison for Health Activities Dr. Emanuele Scarlata, Knight of Merit with Silver Star; Representative for the Alto Ionio Cosentino, Antonio Coiro, Knight of Office; Representative for the City of Catanzaro, Dr. Saverio Salerno, Knight of Office; Representative for the City of Vibo Valentia, Dr. Concetta Lombardi Satriani, Dame of Jure Sanguinis; Knight of Jure Sanguinis, Attorney Francesco Biasi; Dame of Merit Rosa Perrone; Knights of Office Maurizio Capano, Salvatore Cimiero, Mario Latella, Carmelo Orlando and Dr. Salvatore Senatore; and postulants Dr. Rosario Jury Lanza, Attorney Domenico Galati, Dr. Andrea Miceli and Antonio Barbalace.
The Mass was presided over by the Delegation Chaplain, Father Carmine Vitolo, Chaplain of Merit with Silver Star, concelebrating with two Chaplains of Merit, Father Giovanni Gattuso and Father Giovanni Zappalà, and and with Marcello Froio. The First Reading (Jer 11,18-20 – Like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter) was read by Dr. Marika Biamonte, Dame of Office.
At the end of Mass, Father Carmine addressed a thought of heartfelt gratitude to the Prior of the Delegation, the Most Reverend Salvatore Nunnari, Chaplain Grand Cross of Merit, Archbishop Emeritus of Cosenza-Bisignano, as a tireless leader and generous shepherd of the Delegation, for never failing to remain close to him, even in this moment of very precarious health.
Before the Concluding Blessing, the Secretary General read the Prayer of the Constantinian Knight and the Vice Delegate expressed heartfelt thanks to the Celebrants, Brothers and Sisters and all those present. Then, he brought greetings from the interim Delegate, H.E. the Marquis Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli, Knight Grand Cross of Justice, Lieutenant for Southern Peninsular Italy of the Royal Commission for Italy: “Easter Sunday is the highest moment in the life of every Catholic, it reminds us of the importance of facing challenges with respect, awareness and Faith. We must pursue the path of listening, of understanding with Christian commitment, always acting with integrity and always placing at the center of our actions, the dignity and respect of the person and of the least among us. Only through respect can we strengthen the community’s trust in our work for the greater glory of Our Lord, increasing collaboration, sacrifice and sharing.” The Deputy Delegate concluded by wishing everyone, especially those who are experiencing moments of suffering, a peaceful Easter filled with hope.
At the conclusion of Mass, the members, postulants and friends of the Constantinian Order gathered in a restaurant for a convivial meal.
