PHOTOGRAPHS IMMEDIATELY BELOW:  (1) Their Eminences Cardinals Harvey, Mamberti and Brislin, preceded by HRH the Grand Master and his consort HRH the Duchess of Calabria and followed by TRH the four sons of the Grand Master;  (2) HRH the Grand Master and his consort the Duchess of Calabria with their seven children; (3) HRH the Grand Master and his consort HRH the Duchess of Calabria with their four sons, the three youngest of whom are newly admitted as Knights Grand Cross of Justice in the Order; (4) HRH the Grand Master; (5) HRH the Grand Prefect, Prince Jaime of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Noto, eldest son of the Grand Master;  (6) HRH Prince Juan of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, second son of the Grand Master; (7) HRH Prince Pablo of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, third son of the Grand Master; (8) HRH Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, fourth son of the Grand Master; (9) HRH the Duchess of Calabria (born Sofía Landaluce y Melgarejo), spouse of the Grand Master; (10) HRH the Dowager Duchess of Calabria (born HRH Princess Anne of France), mother of the Grand Master

 

 

 

The solemn Pontifical Mass in honour of Saint George the Martyr was celebrated on Saturday, 13 September 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.  The celebrant was the Archpriest of the Basilica, His Eminence Cardinal James Michael Harvey, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice of the Constantinian Order.  The Mass was celebrated in the august presence of the Grand Master of the Constantinian, HRH Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta, First Heir of the House of Farnese, by the Grace of God and Hereditary Right Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, Grand Master of the Royal and Distinguished Order of Saint Januarius and of the Dynastic Orders of his Royal House, etc.; the Grand Prefect, HRH Prince Jaime of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Noto, President of the Royal Deputation; and other members of the Two Sicilies Royal Family. Concelebrating were the Prior for Italy of the Constantinian Order, His Eminence Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice of the Constantinian Order, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura; His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice of the Constantinian Order, Metropolitan Archbishop of Johannesburg; and a number of Constantinian Chaplains.

The presence of the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church who celebrated the Sacred Rite underlined, on this occasion too, the status of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George as a Catholic chivalric order, an order moreover which has always maintained, since its inception, the characteristics of a Christian equestrian order, primarily striving for the sanctification of those who, throughout the centuries, have worn its insignia. These lofty ideals particularly inspire those who received the Cross of Constantine on this occasion. For all those committed to implementing the Constantinian charism, the late President of the Order’s Royal Commission for Italy, Duke Diego de Vargas Machuca, of happy memory, remains an example. He urged everyone to remain anchored to tradition, which manifests itself as renewed fidelity to the Spirit in ever-changing circumstances.

Approximately 800 knights and dames participating in the Constantinian Jubilee Pilgrimage in the Holy Year 2025 gathered at the appointed time outside the Quadriportico of the Basilica of Ostia. Having received instructions from the masters of ceremonies, they lined up in rows of two according to their rank and dignity (members of the Royal Deputation, members of the Royal Commission for Italy, Delegates, Grand Crosses, and members of the categories of Justice, Jure Sanguinis, Merit, and Office). At 10:30 a.m., the procession, with the recitation of the Litany of the Saints, moved counterclockwise, passing along the left arm of the Quadriportico to reach the opposite end and pass through the Holy Door.

The procession was led by HRH the Grand Master, carrying the Cross, surrounded by four torchbearers and followed by the Most Eminent Cardinals, the high dignitaries of the Constantinian Order, the members of Royal Family of the Two Sicilies, and all other members of the Order.

The Calabria Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, represented by the Secretary General of the Delegation, Dr. Domenico D’Auria, Knight of Merit with Silver Star, had the honour of carrying the flag of HRH the Grand Master, Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, which holds great significance, especially because he bears the title of Duke of Calabria. The interim Delegate for Calabria, H.E. Marquis Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice, Lieutenant for Peninsular Southern Italy of the Constantinian Order, stated: “This is a source of pride for all of Calabria and is symbolically very strong. The bond between HRH the Grand Master and his land is a spiritual one, one that has never been broken.”

Having crossed the Quadriportico and reached the threshold of the Holy Door, HRH the Grand Master paused in prayer. Then, kissing the left jamb of the Door, he made the sign of the cross with holy water and, taking up the Cross, crossed the threshold, followed by everyone.

After walking down the central nave of the basilica, HRH the Grand Master paused before the steps of the Altar of Confession. Meanwhile, the Order’s clergy took their positions in the sanctuary, while the Order’s dignitaries stood behind HRH the Grand Master, along with the members of the Royal Family. The other members of the Order remained in formation in the center, and then arranged themselves in their respective areas according to the instructions of the masters of ceremonies.

Before the Altar of Confession, HRH the Grand Master intoned the Symbol of Faith, while the Schola continued the chanting of the Creed, with everyone joining in. After the chanting of the Creed, HRH the Grand Master ascended to the sanctuary and took his place, with the Royal Family behind him. The dignitaries and other participants, following instructions from the masters of ceremonies, took their places in the designated areas to participate in the Votive Mass of the Mystery of the Holy Cross (Missa Votiva de Mysterio Sanctae Crucis), which was celebrated in Latin.

At the beginning of the Sacred Rite, the President of the Constantinian Order’s Royal Commission for Italy, His Excellency Prince Flavio Borghese of the Princes of Sulmona and Montecompatri, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice, greeted the Congregation.

Collect

“O Father, who willed to save mankind with the Cross of Christ, your Son, grant that we who have known His mystery of love on earth may enjoy the fruits of His redemption in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who is God, and lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.” (in Latin)

The First Reading (Lectio Prima) was read in Spanish by HRH Prince Juan of Bourbon-Two Sicilies: “In those days, the people could not bear the journey. The people spoke against God and against Moses: ‘Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert? For there is neither bread nor water here, and we loathe this paltry food.’ Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and a great number of Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said: ‘We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take these serpents away from us.’ Moses prayed for the people. The Lord said to Moses: ‘Make a serpent and set it on a pole; anyone who is bitten and looks at it will live.’ Then Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole; ‘When a serpent bit someone, if he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived’” (Num 21,4b-9) (in Spanish).

The Responsorial Psalm (Ps 77 (78)) was sung by a member of the Cardinal Domenico Bertolucci Foundation Choir. “Do not forget the works of the Lord! Hear, my people, my law; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will recall the riddles of old.”

The Gospel was proclaimed by the deacon: “At that time, Jesus said to Nicodemus: ‘No one has ascended into heaven except He who came down from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.'” (Jn 3:13-17).

After the proclamation of the Gospel, Cardinal Harvey gave the homily, the full text of which is reproduced below.

Prayer of the Faithful (Oratio fidelium)

The Celebrant: “Brothers, certain that we owe our obedience to God alone and our consistent and joyful witness to all our fellow men, let us implore from the Lord the strength always to live in accordance with His will, imploring Him with one voice on this our earthly pilgrimage.”

The Chancellor:

“For the whole Church, and especially for our Holy Father Pope Leo, for His Eminence the Cardinal Celebrant, for our Grand Prior, for the Prior for Italy, for the bishops, for our chaplains, and for all God’s ministers: may the light and victorious power of the Cross of Christ dispel in them all human fear and make them authentic witnesses of the Truth:

For nations plagued by war and injustice, and especially for the tormented peoples of the Middle East and Eastern Europe: that they may not be forgotten by the international community, but may experience a renewed sensitivity and more concrete support for the harmony and peace that only Christ can give:

For those who do not believe: that through the consistent Christian witness of the Constantinian Knights of Saint George, they may be moved to seek meaning in their lives with greater determination and finally find it in faith in Christ Jesus, freeing them from torment and loneliness:

For our Grand Master, His Royal Highness Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta: may he always guide with wisdom and fatherhood his august Family and all members of the Sacred Constantinian Order in faithful and generous service to God and His Holy Church:

For the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, and especially for those received into it in this Holy Year: through the intercession of Saint George the Martyr, may they consistently and steadfastly bear witness, with faith and fortitude, to the saving hope of the living God, under the sign of the Cross:

For the blessed soul of the Servant of God Francis II, King of the Two Sicilies, may the Lord deign to grant the graces they hope for to those who invoke his aid and patronage, and may he thus, in full compliance with ecclesiastical law, soon ascend to the honours of the Altars as a shining example of the Christian and royal virtues of a Sovereign who carried the burden of bearing the Crown in a dark and humanly disheartening hour in history, and who, even in exile, never ceased to love his people with fervent charity:

For the deceased Grand Masters of our Order; For all those who have preceded us in the sign of faith and sleep the sleep of peace: may the Lord of Life grant them the light of eternal bliss and with our prayers of suffrage may they obtain the forgiveness of all their sins:

For all of us who participate in this Holy Sacrifice today, and especially for the consecrated persons present: we beseech the Father of glory that, as children in the divine Son, we may cast off the works of darkness and don the armour of light, spreading the good odour of Christ to all we meet along our path.”

The Celebrant concluded: “Lord our God, who promised to be present in those who love you and keep your word with an upright and sincere heart, make us worthy of becoming your permanent dwelling place. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

The Eucharistic Liturgy concluded with the Prayer of the Constantinian Knight, read by HRH the Grand Prefect, Prince Jaime of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Noto:

“Lord Jesus, who have deigned to allow me to join the Militia of the Constantinian Knights of Saint George, I humbly beg You, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii, Queen of Victories, of the valiant Saint George the Martyr, Your Glorious Knight, and of all the Saints, to help me remain faithful to the traditions of our Order, practicing and defending the Holy Roman Catholic Apostolic Faith against the assaults of impiety. May it become for me an armour of faith and a shield of good will, a sure defense against the snares of my enemies, both visible and invisible. I pray that I may have the grace to practice charity toward my neighbour, especially toward the poor and those persecuted for the sake of Justice. Finally, grant me the virtues necessary to realize these holy desires, according to the spirit of the Gospel, with a disinterested and profoundly Christian spirit, for the greater glory of God, the glorification of the Holy Cross, and the propagation of the Faith, for world peace, and the good of the Constantinian Order of Saint George. Amen.”

Then, after the Concluding Blessing, before disbanding, the Congregation intoned the Salve Regina.

Then, before going to the Sacristy, accompanied by the Most Reverend Abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Dom Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., Their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Calabria and the Duke of Noto, members of the Royal Family, and the Chaplains of the Order visited the tomb of St. Paul.

The liturgy was organized by the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and the music was provided by the choir of the Cardinal Domenico Bertolucci Foundation.

 

 

 

Homily by His Eminence Cardinal James Michael Harvey, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice of the Constantinian Order:

“Your Eminences,

Your Royal Highness the Grand Master,

Your Royal Highnesses,

Your Excellencies,

Distinguished Knights and Dames of this noble Constantinian Order of Saint George,

In this Ordinary Jubilee Year of 2025, I truly express feelings of joy at being able to welcome to this solemn celebration the representatives of an ancient and venerable chivalric institution.

Therefore, I extend to you all a most fraternal and cordial welcome to this sacred church dedicated to the Apostle of the Gentiles, Saint Paul.

The Order’s presence here today recalls a tradition of faith, charitable commitment, and fidelity to the Cross of Christ, which spans the centuries and is renewed in the heart of the Church. The origins of the Constantinian Order date back to the Emperor Constantine the Great, a pivotal figure in Christian history. It was he, in the 4th century, who received a miraculous sign in the sky: the luminous cross with the inscription In hoc signo vinces (With this sign you will conquer). It was the eve of the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, in 312 AD, and from that moment Constantine began a process of personal conversion and transformation of the Roman Empire that would change the course of history.

At the same time, the first ‘Constantinian’ Basilica of St. Paul was consecrated on 18 November 324, during the pontificate of Pope Sylvester I.

It was in this climate that, according to legend, a Christian militia was born, devoted to the Cross and committed to defending the faith. This community would later evolve over the centuries, eventually taking the stable and recognized form of a religious order of chivalry. Throughout history, the Order was confirmed and recognized by several Popes. Its bond with the Church has always been strong, in full communion with the Pope and in fidelity to Catholic doctrine.

The Constantinian Order is not merely a historical memory or an honorary institution: it is a living and active presence in the Church and in society. Its members are distinguished by their spiritual commitment and concrete dedication to evangelical charity, promoting important projects to assist the poor and the sick, supporting hospitals, schools, and missions, cultural and religious activities serving the common good, and initiatives to promote human dignity and religious freedom. Through these works, the Order becomes a silent witness to the Cross, a sign of hope in the peripheries of the world and in the heart of the Church.

At the center of the Order’s Christian life is the figure of Saint George, a third-century martyr venerated in both East and West. Saint George, a young Roman soldier, did not hesitate to give his life for Christ during persecution. His image, often depicted slaying the dragon, symbolizes the triumph of faith over evil, courage over fear, truth over injustice.

Saint George, to whom the Order is dedicated, embodies the model of chivalric sanctity: not one based on earthly glory, but on evangelical witness, humble service, and fidelity to the end. This model remains relevant today, in a world that needs courageous believers capable of acting with love and justice.

Courageous believers like Your Blessed Maria Cristina of Savoy [Queen Consort of the Two Sicilies]. Far from being a mere sentiment, her Catholic faith was the lived belief that permeated every moment of her life. With tireless dedication, which still leads to her being remembered today as the ‘Queen of the Poor,’ she took upon herself the suffering of her people. Her profound compassion was transformed into bold social projects, aimed at giving dignity to those who had nothing. Her charity was so vast that it occupied her every thought. She offered shelter to the sick and a roof to the underprivileged. She supported morally vulnerable youth and funded religious institutions and professional workshops, thus removing beggars from the streets. Her greatest work was considered to be the “Colonia di San Leucio,” a true model. Here, families not only had a home and a job, but also a church and compulsory schooling for their children.

In this Jubilee season, we have been invited to rediscover hope as a theological virtue that animates the life of believers and guides the Church’s journey. To hope is not to flee from reality, but to look beyond, with trust in God’s promise.

In the Bull of Indiction of this Ordinary Jubilee, the Holy Father Francis wrote that hope, together with faith and charity, form the triptych of the ‘theological virtues,’ which express the essence of Christian life.

Pope Leo urged us to remember that hope is rekindled when we dig beneath the surface of reality: hope changes the world; it must be carefully cultivated in the heart.

The Constantinian Order, with its long history and its contemporary witness, is therefore a true sign of concrete Christian life, in the continuity of tradition, in fidelity to the Gospel, in active charity. It reminds the world that the Cross is not the end, but the beginning; that the light of Christ can shine even in the darkest times.

We are all called to be inspired by this example. In a world marked by division and suffering, we too can be ‘pilgrims of hope,’  builders of peace, men and women who walk under the sign of the Cross, to proclaim the victory of life over death.

As the Word of God we have heard reminds us, the bites of the serpent are not lacking in the life of each of us. Yet there is always a sign of hope. The serpent lifted up by Moses in the desert prefigures the Cross of Christ, as he himself recalls in the dialogue with Nicodemus we heard in the Gospel. We are called not to die from the pangs of frailty, but to look to the Cross that gives true life, eternal life.

Dear sisters and brothers,

Atop the tympanum of the magnificent mosaic façade of this Basilica is an imposing and ornate cross. Beneath the cross are two Latin words: ‘Spes unica.’  This means that the cross of Christ, a glorious symbol of victory over sin and death, is our only hope.

In the spirit of true pilgrims, walking, so to speak, with the cross in hand, we joyfully welcome Pope Francis’s appeal to the entire Church for this Jubilee. It is a pressing and demanding call not to be content merely with having hope, but also to radiate hope, to be sowers of hope. It is certainly the most beautiful gift the Church can give to all humanity, especially at this moment in its history.

May the Holy Spirit, with His perennial presence on the Church’s journey, accompany our steps on this pilgrimage of faith, steadfast in the hope that does not disappoint.”

PHOTOGRAPHS IMMEDIATELY BELOW:  (1) His Eminence Cardinal James Michael Harvey, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice of the Constantinian Order, during his homily and (2) His Excellency Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice of the Constantinian Order