The Naples and Campania Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George continues its commitment to the most vulnerable people, providing monthly service at the Mensa Fraterna Locanda San Vincenzo de’ Paoli, a charitable operation of the Caritas of the Diocese of Nola. The appointment, renewed on the Sunday of the third week of each month, represents a concrete act of solidarity—which fits into the broader program of charitable activities promoted by the Delegation to support those in need—carried out in collaboration with volunteers from the Nola parishes and the surrounding area: six for meal preparation and two for packaging.
Beside the usual service shift, carried out on Sunday 21 June 2026 according to the planned monthly cadence, this year the Mensa Fraterna requested an extraordinary intervention on the occasion of the traditional Ballata dei Gigli dedicated to Saint Paolino of Nola, among the most heartfelt religious and popular events in Campania, drawing thousands of faithful and visitors each year, held on Sunday 28 June.
While on one hand the Festa dei Gigli represents a moment of communal gathering for the Nola community and attracts many tourists, on the other hand it also results in a significant increase in indigent and homeless people who turn to the Mensa Fraterna, also coming from other territories.
In a day many spend with their families, the needs of those living in difficult situations do not stop. Therefore, solidarity and charity cannot have no rest, and the notable influx of people to Nola made additional support necessary in managing the services. The central moment of the Ballata dei Gigli is the blessing by the Bishop of Nola, Most Rev. Francesco Marino, of the eight Gigli and the Barca, monumental obelisks about 25 meters high covered with papier-mâché, carried on the shoulders by the traditional Nolano barges, consisting of about 120 bearers each. After the blessing at 1:00 PM with the Bishop’s exit from the Cathedral, the Procession of the silver bust of Saint Paolino follows.
To cope with the particular situation, Caritas Nolana requested the support of the Constantinian Knights, who joined with immediate availability, alongside volunteers from the Parish of the Most Holy Mercy and Saint Blaise of Nola and the local group of the Third Order of Franciscans.
On this occasion, the Constantinian Knights primarily performed activities of assistance and flow management of the Mensa Fraterna users, helping to ensure an orderly and effective service on a day characterized by exceptional attendance, thereby reaffirming once again their concrete commitment to the community and to the most needy.
Participating in the service were the interim Communications Manager of the Delegation, Prof. Antonio De Stefano, Knight of Jure Sanguinis, with Ing. Nicola Annunziata and Colonel E.I. Andrea Albertini, Knights of Office, who offered their contribution with generosity and a spirit of service toward the most in need, concretely testifying to the charisma of the Constantinian Order of service to the needy. During the day, he was supported by Prof. Valerio Stefano Sacco, Knight of Office, as well.
The Mensa Fraterna Nolana is an important reference point for those in economic and social distress. In addition to ensuring daily meal distribution, on weekdays it offers further assistance services, including the possibility to use showers and receive clean clothing. An effort that goes beyond mere material support, concretely promoting the values of solidarity, hospitality and Christian charity.
The day’s activities began at 8:00 AM with meal preparation by volunteers. At 12:00 PM there was the distribution of takeaway lunches, packed in suitable bags containing household containers carefully sterilized, so that they could be reused later in full compliance with hygienic-sanitary regulations. This approach allows beneficiary families to share the moment of the meal within their own home, preserving the value of conviviality and family life.
From 12:30 to 1:30 PM the service at tables took place with the distribution of hot meals to the facility’s guests. The day ended with cleaning and tidying up of the mensa’s premises and related services.
The Mensa Fraterna Locanda San Vincenzo de’ Paoli, located near the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Nola, is coordinated by Father Enrico Tuccillo with the support of the Administrator Dr. Francesco Esposito, Dr. Domenico Alfano, and the Service Coordinator Dr. Michele D’Urso. Thanks to their dedication and the collaboration of the numerous volunteers, the facility is able to provide daily more than one hundred meals to people and families in difficulty.
The day’s activities are also an important opportunity for collaboration between the Constantinian Order and the parishes of the Diocese of Nola, strengthening a service and closeness network that has been in place for about twenty years. Relationships with the Mensa Fraterna Locanda San Vincenzo de’ Paoli, the Diocesan Caritas, and the parishes of the territory are managed by Dr. Giuseppe Russo, Knight of Merit, and Prof. Valerio Stefano Sacco, Knight of Office, who foster a support network capable of going beyond mere food assistance. Of particular significance is the constant commitment of Dr. Giuseppe Russo, who regularly volunteers at the Mensa Fraterna even during the week, contributing continuously to the charitable activities of the facility.
Since last month, the service at the Mensa Fraterna has been carried out on a monthly basis, every third Sunday. The next Constantine volunteer appointment is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, confirming the Delegation’s ongoing commitment to charitable works and to supporting the most vulnerable people.
The group photo credit is by Knights Antonio De Stefano and Valerio Stefano Sacco.
