The liturgical Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel is one of the most significant celebrations of Marian devotion in the universal Church. Observed each year on July 16, the feast recalls a centuries-old tradition rooted in the spirituality of Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. Its most familiar symbol is the Brown Scapular, a sign of filial entrustment to the Blessed Virgin Mary and of confidence in her special maternal protection.
In this spirit of Marian devotion, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., a Solemn Pontifical Mass was celebrated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Messina. The liturgy was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, the oldest Marian sanctuary in the Western Church. The liturgical music was provided by the “Luca Marenzio” Polyphonic Choir and the “Luigi Lazzaro” Parish Choir. Following the Mass, a solemn procession took place with the revered statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Simon Stock.
At the invitation of Father Gianfranco Centorrino, Pastor of the Shrine and Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Messina–Lipari–Santa Lucia del Mela, together with the Third Order of Carmel and the parish community, members of the Eastern Sicily Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George participated in the celebration. Their presence renewed the Order’s profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, an essential element of Constantinian spirituality, recognizing in Our Lady the perfect model of obedience to the will of God, Christian hope, and active charity.
The presence of Cardinal Makrickas gave particular ecclesial significance to the celebration, given his office as Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a sanctuary profoundly associated with Marian devotion. His participation served as a visible expression of communion with the universal Church and testified to the enduring spiritual importance of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the life of Christian communities.
The Solemn Pontifical Mass
On the occasion of the solemn festivities in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Messina on Thursday, July 16, 2026, members of the Eastern Sicily Delegation of the Constantinian Order gathered at the feet of the Blessed Virgin to pay homage and to renew their faith in her Son, Jesus Christ, the one Savior of the world.
The Delegation was led, in the absence of the Delegate, Nob. Ferdinando Testoni Blasco, Knight Grand Cross of Justice, by the Secretary General, Dr. Michele Lauro, Knight of Jure Sanguinis. He was accompanied by the Treasurer, Matteo Santoro, Knight of Merit with Silver Star; the Director of Communications, Antonino Lauro, Knight of Merit; and the Representative for the Province of Messina, Dr. Giuseppe Tortorici, Knight of Merit with Silver Star.
Professor Riccardo Pillonetto Millemaggi Palatini, Knight of Jure Sanguinis, proclaimed one of the Prayers of the Faithful, together with members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, reflecting the spirit of ecclesial unity that characterized the celebration.
Concelebrating with Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas were Father Gianfranco Centorrino, Monsignor Mario Di Pietro, Monsignor Roberto Romeo, Father Giovanni Russo, Father Giuseppe Rinaldi, and Father Antonino Calandra Sebastianella.
At the conclusion of the Solemn Pontifical Mass, the Constantinian delegation greeted Cardinal Makrickas in the sacristy, expressing their gratitude for his presence and his spiritual leadership during this important Marian celebration.
