On Good Friday, 3 April 2026, a representation from Marche and Romagna Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George joined the traditional city-wide Way of the Cross in Ravenna at 8:30 p.m. The procession was presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ravenna-Cervia, the Most Reverend Lorenzo Ghizzoni, alongside representatives of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
The devotional rite of the Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, retracing Jesus’ journey from His condemnation to His crucifixion at Calvary and burial—the place of His Resurrection—is structured into 14 stations. Its development dates back to the 14th–15th centuries, thanks especially to the Franciscan friars, who, after obtaining the Custody of the Holy Places, helped spread the memory of Christ’s painful journey. The earliest stations were often marked by images or crosses along church walls or cloisters. The current number and order of the stations became standardized in the 17th century.
Today, the Way of the Cross—through recitation and contemplation of the mysteries of the Passion of the Lord—remains one of the most practiced forms of devotion during Lent, and particularly on Good Friday, the second day of the Paschal Triduum.
In keeping with its mission of Glorifying the Cross, Propagating the Faith, and Defending the Holy Roman Church, the Presidency of the Royal Commission for Italy of the Constantinian Order has identified the pious exercise of the Via Crucis, especially during Lent, as a priority activity for its Delegations, representing a living testimony of faith and hope.
The Constantinian Delegation’s representation at the Ravenna Good Friday Way of the Cross was led by Delegate Count Carlo Cicconi Massi, Knight Grand Cross of Jure Sanguinis with Gold Star, together with Paolo Arfilli, Knight of Jure Sanguinis; Jean De Vito, Knight of Merit; Andrea De Cesaris, Antonio Del Biondo, Massimo Comandini, and Francesco Mazzieri, Knights of Office; and Lidia Angeli, Dame of Office.
The participation of the Delegation reaffirmed the Order’s commitment to spiritual devotion, communal solidarity, and the promotion of peace through prayer during one of the most solemn moments of the Christian liturgical calendar.
