On Sunday 29 June 2025, on the occasion of the feast of the Ballad of the Lilies in honor of San Paolino, and the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles, the Delegation of Naples and Campania of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George carried out its usual bimonthly service at the Mensa Fraterna “Locanda San Vincenzo de’ Paoli” of the diocesan Caritas of Nola. Unfortunately, we know that poverty and need do not go on vacation and that people in difficulty need assistance every day, even on holidays. This service, which involves the Constantinian knights and the volunteers of the Parish of the College and other Parishes of the City of Nola, sees the participation of six volunteers active in the kitchen and two volunteers dedicated to preparing meals. The service involving the Constantinian knights on the third week every other month is a significant moment of solidarity, which is part of a series of initiatives that the Delegation of Naples and Campania undertakes to offer support to the less fortunate and needy. The Mensa Fraterna not only physically feeds the most needy, but plays a crucial role in strengthening the sense of community and local charity, supporting those in difficulty with a concrete gesture of Christian love.
The knights involved in this charitable service were Dr. Giuseppe Russo, Knight of Merit, and Attorney Paolo Carbone, Knight of Office, who in the spirit of Christian charity provided for the distribution of hot meals to all those present, with the support of Prof. Valerio Stefano Sacco, Knight of Office, who takes care of and maintains relationships with the diocesan Caritas, the Parish Priest and the volunteers of the Parish of San Felice Vescovo e Martire, known as del Collegio.
The Mensa Fraterna “Locanda San Vincenzo de’ Paoli” is located behind the cathedral basilica dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo and to Saints Felice and Paolino. Every day, from 08.00 to 13.00, over 100 meals are distributed to the needy who are served at the table or collected at the gates of the soup kitchen. The service is coordinated by Father Enrico Tuccillo, with the support of the Administrator Dr. Francesco Esposito, Dr. Domenico Alfano, and the operational referent Dr. Michele D’Urso. Valerio Stefano Sacco and Dr. Giuseppe Russo, both knights of the Order, take care of the relationships between the soup kitchen, the Parish of San Felice Vescovo e Martire (also called “del Collegio”, linked to the college of the Rocchettine Sisters) and the referent of the service, promoting a project that nourishes not only the body, but also social cohesion.
They have worked with dedication, especially on this day of celebration in Nola dedicated to the Ballad of the Gigli in honor of Saint Paolino, inspired by the words of Bishop Francesco Marino, pronounced during the Corpus Domini Homily: “What Jesus says, ‘you give them something to eat’, is addressed to all the people. We love Saint Paolino and, in the name of Christ, we also want to give food, serving the good of the Church and of all.”
On the occasion of the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the name day of the Grand Master of the Constantinian Order, HRH Prince Don Pedro of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta, Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, Knight Avv. Paolo Carbone wanted to celebrate the name day of His Royal Highness by providing service to those most in need.
