On Thursday, May 7, 2026, the parish hall of the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Salerno, known as the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, hosted the presentation of the volume The Rosary and the Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae.
The book includes a Preface by Monsignor Francesco Spaduzzi and is enriched by a letter of appreciation from the Grand Master, HRH Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta, and Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies. Included in the appendix, among the prayers to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, is the Prayer of the Constantinian Knight, since Our Lady of Pompeii is Co-Patroness and Protectress of the Constantinian Order.
The event was promoted by the author, Professor Italo Valente, Knight of Merit, and by Canon Lorenzo Gallo, Pastor of Santa Maria Regina Pacis and Chaplain of Merit, in collaboration with Monsignor Antonio Montefusco, Pastor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and an expert in Mariology. The presentation was held under the patronage of the Naples and Campania Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George as part of its religious and cultural activities, particularly in support of theological and cultural reflection dedicated to Marian spirituality.
The meeting opened with greetings from the author, Professor Italo Valente; Professor Salvatore Campitello, Councillor of the Order of Journalists of Campania and President of the Campanian Press Association of the Sarno Valley; and the Secretary General of the Naples and Campania Delegation, Nob. Antonio Masselli, Knight of Jure Sanguinis.
Rediscovering the Rosary
Following the opening prayer led by Canon Lorenzo Gallo, Professor Italo Valente recalled that the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary originated from the historic victory at the Battle of Lepanto, the naval confrontation that took place on October 7, 1571, during the War of Cyprus, when the Christian fleet of the Holy League, united under papal banners, defeated the Muslim fleet of the Ottoman Empire.
This victory was attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invoked through the recitation of the Rosary. Before the battle, Pope Saint Pius V had rosaries blessed and distributed to all the soldiers and sailors of the Christian fleet. By order of Don John of Austria, the troops gathered in prayer before the confrontation, and the oarsmen synchronized their strokes by devoutly reciting the decades of the Rosary, imploring the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
For this reason, following the victory of the Holy League, Pope Pius V instituted the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, later renamed the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on October 7. Professor Valente also emphasized his devotion to Our Lady of Pompeii and the connection with the Constantinian Order, highlighting the value of prayer as a daily spiritual guide and instrument of peace.
Reflections on Journalism, Culture, and Technology
Professor Salvatore Campitello then focused on the role of journalism as a service to society, grounded in responsibility in communication and the need to promote positive examples, especially for younger generations. He emphasized the importance of culture and reading, noting that reading habits in Italy remain limited and that cultural initiatives such as book presentations help society grow.
He also reflected on the relationship between communication and Artificial Intelligence, stressing that technology must remain a tool at the service of the human person and should never replace the value of human presence and voice. Finally, he recalled several distinguished figures of Campanian journalism, highlighting their human, cultural, and professional contributions, as well as the importance of friendship and social commitment.
The Constantinian Order and Marian Devotion
Antonio Masselli, speaking on behalf of the Delegate for Naples and Campania, Count Don Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona dei Duchi di Laurenzana (of the Dukes of Laurenzana), Patrician of Naples and Knight of Justice, expressed appreciation for Professor Valente’s work, describing it as an instrument for spiritual reflection and rediscovery of the value of the Holy Rosary.
He emphasized the commitment of the Constantinian Order to promoting culture as a means of evangelization, dialogue, and spiritual growth. He also extended thanks to the organizers, speakers, and participants, expressing the hope that the meeting would strengthen Marian devotion and the practice of praying the Rosary. He concluded by expressing the wish that the event might provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection and deeper appreciation of the Rosary’s significance in Christian life.
Donation of the Book to the Delegation
On Sunday, February 22, 2026, during the celebration of Holy Mass for the First Sunday of Lent at the parish church of Santa Maria Regina Pacis in Fuorni, on the outskirts of Salerno, a representation of the Naples and Campania Delegation participated alongside the parish community, members of Catholic Action for Children, the parish Caritas, and catechism children accompanied by their catechists and parents.
On that occasion, accepting the invitation of Canon Lorenzo Gallo, Professor Italo Valente presented a copy of his volume The Rosary and the Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae to the Delegate.
About Professor Italo Valente
Professor Italo Valente is a retired tenured professor in the Italian state school system, writer, and journalist registered with the National Order of Journalists. He is a Knight of Merit of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and recipient of numerous honors, including the Silver Medal of the President of the Republic and the “Mimmo Castellano” Journalism Award for “cultural information.”
Formerly a contributor to newspapers and periodicals and editor-in-chief of various newspapers, magazines, television, and radio networks, he also served as Director of the Center for Studies in Culture, Art, and Advertising (Studio CAP). He held the position of Press and Public Relations Officer for the Municipality of Pellezzano.
He is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the current affairs and culture periodical Noi e gli altri and Founder of the literary prize of the same name, as well as contributor to the monthly Riparazione Eucaristica of the Eucharistic Reparatory Association (ALER) of Loreto.
Professor Valente is also an Honorary Deputy Member of the Assembly and Councillor of the Department for Cultural, Educational, and University Affairs of the International Council for Diplomacy and Justice (ICDJ). He obtained the professional title of Engineer through the British Institute of Engineering Technology – Italian Division and was formerly registered as an associate member of the Order of Engineers in London.
From the academic year 1989–1990 through 1993–1994, he attended the Permanent Diaconate Course at the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences “San Matteo” of the Archdiocese of Salerno.
