The diocesan sanctuary of Sant’Angelo, the beating heart of Carmelite and civic devotion in Licata, provided the setting on 25 January 2025 at 11:00 a.m. for the solemn Eucharistic Celebration of the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, or the Sunday of the Word of God. The Mass was presided over by Father Joseph Malo, O.Carm., animated by the “Luigi Cherubini” Choir of Licata, and attended by a representation of the Western Sicily Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, led by the Secretary General, Dr. Salvatore Glorioso, Knight of Jure Sanguinis, together with the Representative for Agrigento, Dr. Maria Luisa Tornambè, Dame of Merit with Silver Star; the Representative for Caltanissetta, Dr. Giuseppe Anzalone, Knight of Merit with Silver Star; and for the Palermo Section, Prof. Alessandra Messina, Dame of Jure Sanguinis.
The participation of the Constantinian delegation, in harmony with the Carmelite Third Order of Licata, the Carmelite Third Order of Palma di Montechiaro, and the faithful and devotees of Sant’Angelo, Patron Saint of Licata, gave the Eucharistic Celebration a character of profound ecclesial participation. During the celebration, the parish community witnessed three significant events: the solemn ceremony of the presentation of Constantinian insignia to the Rector of the sanctuary, Father Roberto Toni, O.Carm., and his presentation to the community in his new role as Constantinian Chaplain; the presentation of copies of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church to the catechists of Licata and Palma di Montechiaro; and the reading of the Edict of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Agrigento, His Excellency the Most Reverend Alessandro Damiano, for the opening of the cause of beatification and canonization of Father Gerlando Re.
Insignia to the Chaplain
The insignia of Chaplain of Merit were presented to Father Roberto Toni by the Secretary General of the Western Sicily Delegation, together with the Representative for Agrigento. The entry of the Rector of the Sanctuary of Sant’Angelo among the Chaplains of the Constantinian Order does not signify merely a formal act, but represents a renewed commitment to the service of the Church and the community. The Constantinian Order, among the most ancient equestrian-religious Orders of Christendom, indeed sets as its aims the Glorification of the Cross, the Propagation of the Faith, and the Defense of Holy Mother Church—objectives that find in Father Toni’s Carmelite charism fertile ground for new pastoral and charitable initiatives in the territory of Licata and throughout the Free Municipal Consortium of Agrigento.
Rector
The Rector, visibly moved upon receiving the Constantinian insignia, stressed the importance of walking together—the Constantinian Order and local Church—bearing witness to a living and active Faith.
Secretary General
The Secretary General of the Delegation then delivered the following words:
“I extend a greeting to those present, who today have shared with us the joy of this Ceremony, through which we present Father Roberto Toni to his community as Chaplain of Merit of our Constantinian Order. I bring greetings from our Delegate, the Hon. Prof. Salvatore Bordonali, Knight Grand Cross of Justice, who is today unable to be present at this important Ceremony. Father Roberto already received, in September of the year just past, the investiture as Constantinian Chaplain in the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, directly from the Grand Master, His Royal Highness Prince Pedro of Bourbon of the Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta, Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, on the occasion of the solemn Pontifical Mass presided over by the Constantinian Order’s Prior for Italy, His Eminence Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti, Protodeacon of Holy Mother Church, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.
We here today are merely happy ambassadors.
I do not think it is necessary for me to introduce Father Roberto to you, who is the Rector of this Sanctuary Church of Sant’Angelo and who has been Provincial Prior of the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance. Father Roberto was chosen by the Constantinian Order for two essential reasons:
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Because he represents a figure of great inspiration and dedication.
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Because we are certain that in his new role within our Order he will further help strengthen the bonds between our community and the Church.
We therefore entrust to him the task of carrying forward with wisdom and humanity our initiatives not only here in Licata, but throughout the entire Agrigento Section, a very vast territory that will require much cooperation and for which he will find great willingness among the Knights and Dames of the Section, led by Dr. Maria Luisa Tornambè. Allow me, however, a special word of thanks to Giuseppe Caci, Knight of Office, who played a great part in achieving the goal that we celebrate here today.
As you know, the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George has as its principal aims the promotion of the Catholic faith, the defense of the rights of the Church, and charity toward those in need. We commit ourselves to supporting works of charity, to preserving Christian tradition, and to spreading the values of justice, mercy, and loyalty, following the example of our holy Patron, Saint George. I am particularly happy that today’s ceremony is taking place in this evocative Sanctuary of Sant’Angelo, a place of spirituality and peace, where religious traditions intertwine with the history and culture of our territory. It seems to me precisely the ideal context to celebrate Father Roberto’s adherence to our mission, which is founded on the values of charity, integrity, and service.
I thank you all for your presence and participation in this special moment, and I now invite you to join me in giving a warm round of applause to Father Roberto Toni as we welcome him with open arms into our Constantinian community.”
Catechism – Compendium
Presentation of Copies
Accompanying the presentation of copies of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, as indicated by the President of the Royal Commission for Italy, His Excellency Prince Don Flavio Borghese of the Princes of Sulmona and Montecompatri, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice, the Secretary General spoke the following words:
“Today, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, or the Sunday of the Word of God, in the name of the Delegate and of the entire Western Sicily Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, we symbolically present to the catechists copies of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.
This initiative represents a significant gesture in accordance with the directions of the President of the Royal Commission for Italy, to strengthen the formation and support of catechists, central figures in the transmission of the Catholic Faith and moral values. The Catechism offers a solid foundation of teachings, clarifying the fundamental principles of the Catholic Faith and enabling catechists to respond competently to the questions and needs of those they instruct. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church provides vital tools for addressing contemporary social challenges, proposing an interpretation of Christian values applied to current contexts.
This presentation takes place at a time when the Church is called to respond to new challenges such as secularization and religious indifference. Equipping catechists with such resources means providing them with the means to educate in the Faith in a profound and conscious way, fostering a more robust and prepared ecclesial community.
The Eucharistic Celebration in this context underscores the importance of the Word of God and of ongoing formation in Christian life. The day thus becomes not only a moment of presentation, but also an opportunity for reflection on the importance of catechesis in the life of the Church.
Moreover, this gesture demonstrates the commitment of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George to promoting unity among the faithful and to supporting catechists in their service. Education in the Faith is not only a matter of transmitting information, but also involves spiritual accompaniment, which fosters authentic and lasting growth. In conclusion, this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time represents a moment of renewal for the Catholic community, an opportunity to rethink our commitment to catechesis and to strengthen bonds of solidarity and pastoral responsibility.”
After presenting a copy of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church to the Rector, Father Roberto Toni; to the Celebrant, Father Joseph Malo; to the representative of the Carmelite Third Order of Licata, Prof. Enza Nucera; to the President of the Carmelite Third Order of Palma di Montechiaro, Calogero Mancuso; and to the Acolyte, Giuseppe Corbo; the Secretary General recited the Prayer of the Constantinian Knight.
At the conclusion of the Eucharistic Celebration, the delegation of the Western Sicily Delegation celebrated Father Roberto Toni during a fraternal agape, during which, in a connection from Palermo, the Delegate congratulated Father Toni, thanking him for his willingness to work in harmony with the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.
In the afternoon, the Delegate commented:
“It is a great honour to have been able to welcome Father Roberto Toni as a new Chaplain of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George. The ceremony for the presentation of the insignia, held in the evocative setting of the Sanctuary of Sant’Angelo in Licata, represents a moment of profound spirituality and dedication. His figure, always committed to supporting the community, now joins our mission of service and charity. We are certain that his leadership and his example will be a source of inspiration for all of us. With confidence, we wish Father Toni a path rich in successes and blessings.”
