On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Terra d’Otranto Section of the Delegation of Puglia and Basilicata of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George met in Taranto for a meeting of Lenten spiritual recollection and confraternal solidarity at the church of San Pasquale Baylón, an emblem of the deep historical and devotional bond that unites the cult of the saint to the dynasty of the Bourbons of the Two Sicilies, as well as the place chosen for the religious activities of the Constantinian Order in the Terra d’Otranto. As evidence of the privileged relationship with the Royal House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, the convent houses the Pinacoteca Sant’Egidio. This contains a collection of ancient jewels donated by Queen Maria Amalia, wife of King Charles III of Bourbon, first queen consort of the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily, and then later queen consort of the Kingdom of Spain, as an ex voto for a miracle received through the intercession of Saint Pasquale Baylón, to whom she was particularly devoted.
The meeting of March 21, 2025, the Friday of the second week of Lent, was organized by the Liaison for the Terra d’Otranto, Cap. Vasc. Giuseppe Giacovazzo, Knight of Merit with Silver Star. The celebration of the Holy Mass was presided over at 6:30 pm by the parish priest, Fra’ Vincenzo Chirico, OFM. A charitable collection also took place, the proceeds of which were donated to the needy of the parish community.
