On Tuesday 5 March 2024, Mass was celebrated in the Abbey of Santa Maria della Sanità in Genoa thirty days after the passing of HRH Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy. The Mass was organized by the Liguria Inspectorate of the Guard of Honour at the Royal Tombs of the Pantheon, in concert with the Liguria Delegation of the Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy. A representation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George took part. Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, the only son of Italy’s last monarch, King Umberto II, died on 3 February 2024.
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over at 6.00 pm by the Abbot Don Davide Bernini, of the Diocese of Albenga/Imperia, with Father Simone Ghersi as concelebrant. Participating, among others, were the Regional Inspector Dr. Marco Ghisolfo; the Delegate of Lombardy/Liguria of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, Grand Officer Alberto di Maria; and a representation of the Constantinian Order, led by the Delegate for Liguria, Nob. Luigi Filippo Granello di Casaleto, Knight of Justice.
The “transversal” participation of Orders and Associations was valued by all, with the aim of encouraging and improving existing relationships of knowledge and friendship and also with the aim of emphasizing common Christian ideas.
In his homily, Abbot Bernini shared deep and significant reflections, which touched the hearts of those present, remembering Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy and offering a moment of prayer and intense and moving remembrance.
Commenting on the Gospel passage (Matthew 18.21-35), Abbot Bernini highlighted the understanding of the master towards his servant and the forgiveness of debt. He stressed what “the heavenly Father will do with you, if you do not forgive each brother from your heart.” He recalled the recent reflection of the Holy Father that “we cannot claim God’s forgiveness for ourselves if we do not in turn grant forgiveness to our neighbour.”
