On Sunday, 28 December 2025, in the evocative setting of the Basilica of San Giovanni Maggiore in Naples, a representation from the Naples and Campania Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, accepting the invitation of the Parish Priest Father Salvatore Giuliano, took part at 11:00 a.m., together with the parish families, in the celebration of Holy Mass for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Seated in the front rows were numerous children from the Catechism program, some of whom will receive First Holy Communion between June and September, accompanied by catechists, parents, members of Catholic Action for Children (ACR) and Caritas, as well as many families and members of the parish community.
This occasion represented a particularly important moment for the Delegation, as it marked the first official step in the establishment of the Constantinian Order within the parish community, alongside other parish organizations. This integration was strongly desired by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Naples, His Eminence Cardinal Domenico Battaglia, in order to embed the Order within the social fabric of the city.
It is recalled that on Sunday, 21 December 2025, the Delegation organized a Christmas Concert in the basilica for charitable purposes. The entire proceeds of the concert, together with the donations from sponsors, were allocated to the parish Caritas of the basilica, in support of assistance activities for families in difficulty within the local area.
The musical event held in the Basilica of San Giovanni Maggiore, which sought to combine the beauty of sacred and chamber music with a tangible act of Christian charity—translating the Gospel message of Christmas into a concrete gesture of solidarity toward the most needy in the heart of Naples’ historic center—forms part of the broader program of spiritual, cultural, and charitable activities promoted by the Naples and Campania Delegation. These initiatives aim to enhance sacred sites and protect historical and artistic heritage, while at the same time exercising Christian charity and promoting spiritual values, supporting local charitable organizations, and offering the community moments of artistic elevation and spiritual reflection.
Delegation Representatives
The photograph above shows, from left to right:
Eng. Prof. Michele Todino, Knight of Office;
Prof. Antonio De Stefano, Knight of Merit with Silver Star;
Avv. Alessandro Franchi, Knight of Merit with Silver Star;
Count Don Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona dei Duchi di Laurenzana (of the Dukes of Laurenzana), Knight of Justice;
Avv. Valeria Pessetti, Dame of Merit with Silver Star;
Arch. Carlo Iavazzo, Knight of Merit;
Father Salvatore Giuliano;
Avv. Carmine Capasso, Knight of Merit;
Noble Antonio Masselli, Knight of Jure Sanguinis;
Dr. Ornella de Paulis;
Dr. Giovanni Samo, Knight of Jure Sanguinis;
Avv. Salvatore Mancino, Postulant.
The delegation was led by the Delegate for Naples and Campania, Count Don Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona dei Duchi di Laurenzana, Knight of Justice, together with the Acting Secretary General, Nob. Antonio Masselli, Knight of Jure Sanguinis, accompanied by his wife Dr. Ornella de Paulis Masselli; the Acting Head of Communications, Prof. Antonio De Stefano, Knight of Merit with Silver Star; and the Acting Head of Operational Activities, Avv. Valeria Pessetti, Dame of Merit with Silver Star, accompanied by her husband Avv. Carmine Capasso, Knight of Merit and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka, and their son.
Holy Mass
The Eucharistic Celebration for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph was presided over by Father Salvatore Giuliano, assisted by deacons and altar servers, with the liturgical music provided by the parish choir.
At the beginning of the sacred rite, Father Giuliano administered the Sacrament of Baptism to a young girl from the parish community. He then emphasized the need to recognize the fragilities of family life, entrusting them to the Lord so that His grace may strengthen the fidelity and educational vocation of families.
Readings
The First Reading (Sirach 3:3–7, 14–17a – Those who fear the Lord honor their parents), the Responsorial Psalm(Psalm 127 [128] – Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways), the Second Reading (Colossians 3:12–21 – Christian family life according to the commandment of love), and the Prayer of the Faithful were proclaimed by altar servers and members of the parish community. The Gospel (Matthew 2:13–15, 19–23 – Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt) was proclaimed by a deacon.
Beginning his homily, Father Giuliano greeted and thanked those present, with particular reference to the Naples and Campania Delegation, recalling the charitable initiatives undertaken in support of the parish and of the needy assisted by it.
He then reflected on the meaning of the Incarnation, emphasizing how Jesus chose to enter history and grow within a family, sharing its difficulties, sacrifices, and uncertainties. The Family of Nazareth itself, marked by displacement, job insecurity, and economic hardship, experienced the struggles common to many families.
Father Giuliano highlighted how the foundation of the Christian family lies in listening to and placing at the center the will of God, which guided Mary and Joseph through complementary roles and daily fidelity. Shared prayer was identified as an essential element of unity and growth, according to the principle that continuity fosters a solid mindset of faith.
He also underlined the educational value of the family as a place of listening, welcome, and recognition, especially for young people who often seek attention and understanding. The family was defined as a pillar of social and Christian life, called to be a space of communion, prayer, and shared responsibility.
At the conclusion of the sacred rite, the baptism of the young girl—welcomed into the Christian community—was recalled, and the establishment of the Constantinian Order at the basilica, by the will of Cardinal Battaglia, was announced, with the hope of a collaboration oriented toward solidarity and support of parish activities.
Concluding Remarks
Subsequently, the Delegate for Naples and Campania, invited by the Parish Priest to offer greetings, thanked everyone for their warm welcome. He briefly outlined the historical and contemporary mission of the Constantinian Order, founded on the exercise of Christian charity, support for the weakest, and the witness of Catholic faith values in contemporary society.
He also recalled his meeting with Cardinal Battaglia, from which concrete prospects for collaboration between the Constantinian Order and the Archdiocese of Naples emerged, particularly in the fields of charitable and pastoral activities. In this context, the Delegate announced the designation of the Basilica of San Giovanni Maggiore as the operational headquarters of the Naples and Campania Delegation, as a sign of trust and renewed commitment to serving the ecclesial and civil community.
Following the Eucharistic Celebration, a fraternal gathering was held in a hall adjoining the basilica with the various parish groups. With simplicity, warmth, and cordiality, they welcomed the Constantinian confreres and invited them to share in their conviviality. This provided an opportunity to present the Order and its activities, marking a moment of fraternity and closeness for all those present.
