The Delegation of Western Sicily of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, as is now customary, offered a dinner on Tuesday 29 October 2024 to less fortunate families assisted by the Boccone del Povero Institute, in via Pindemonte 3 in Palermo. The menu cooked by the Constantinian knights included a typical Sicilian recipe, rigatoni with basil pesto and sausage, followed by spicy baked pork loin with a side of pizzaiola potatoes and, to conclude, a chocolate dessert. The effort of preparation was enlivened by the “spectacular” panelle and croquettes of Maestro Totò, prepared for the participating knights.
At the end of the service – coordinated for the Institute by Dr. Antonio Tocco, a great friend of the Constantinian Order – after having served meals and tidied up the refectory for the following day, the participating knights and postulants received thanks via videoconference from the Delegate, Prof. Salvatore Bordonali, Knight Grand Cross of Justice.
“A formidable team, which as is now customary, several times every year, is committed in this moment of solidarity towards the less fortunate of the city – commented the Delegate in his thanks – reiterating the firm desire not to create any bureaucratic filter for the use of the canteen. Anyone in need, in a totally anonymous way, shows up at the Institute and takes advantage of the canteen for himself and his family.”
The Boccone del Povero Institute in Palermo was founded by Blessed Giacomo Cusmano, nicknamed “the doctor of the poor” for having obtained a degree in medicine and surgery. Born in Palermo on 15 March 1834, he lost his mother at just three years of age and was educated by his older sister Vincenza. At sixteen, while attending his studies at the Jesuit college, the ideal of missions and of assisting in the care of the most needy arose in him. He subsequently graduated in medicine and surgery and, guided by his spiritual director, Monsignor Domenico Turano, was ordained a priest on 22 December 1860.
On 23 May 1880, Father Giacomo Cusmano founded the Congregation of the Sisters Servants of the Poor and, in 1887, that of the Missionary Servants of the Poor, i.e. the current Opera del Boccone del Povero, a male religious pontifical institute. He also founded other religious and lay institutes located on different continents.
He died in Palermo on 14 March 1888 and was beatified on 30 October 1983 in St. Peter’s Square by St. John Paul II. His liturgical memory occurs on March 14th.
“This magnificent Servant of the Poor who, to heal the wounds of poverty and misery that afflicted so much of the population due to recurring famines and epidemics, but also to social inequality, chose the path of charity: love of God which translates into ‘effective love towards brothers and in the gift of oneself to the most needy and suffering in a service pushed to the point of heroic sacrifice’ ” (Pope John Paul II – Homily during the Holy Mass of Beatification, 30 October 1983).
