On Sunday, 21 December 2025, Knights, Postulants, and friends of the Tuscany Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George gathered, in keeping with tradition, in preparation for Holy Christmas at the Shrine of Santa Maria del Giglio in Prato.

The Eucharistic Celebration of the Fourth Sunday of Advent was presided over by Monsignor Giovanni Bartolini, Chaplain of Merit. In his homily, he drew attention to the figure of Saint Joseph, the “just man” and model of faith, who accepts the mystery of Jesus by placing himself at the service of God’s plan. A faithful spouse, putative father of Christ, and guardian of the Holy Family, Joseph stands as an example of a life lived according to God’s will—ready to recognize divine wonders and to translate the Word into concrete action.

At the conclusion of Mass, after reading the Christmas greeting sent by the President of the Order’s Royal Commission for Italy, H.E. Prince Flavio Borghese, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice, the Delegate, Dr. Massimo Planera, Knight Grand Cross of Merit, expressed gratitude to the Prato Delegation of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, custodians of the Shrine, for their hospitality. He also highlighted how the generosity of the Knights, Dames, and Postulants of the Tuscany Delegation had made it possible to carry out several charitable initiatives.

Following the liturgy, participants gathered in the Shrine’s premises for a convivial exchange of Christmas greetings.

Charitable Initiatives of the Tuscany Delegation

The Tuscany Delegation contributed to the project “(Re)Being Born in Gaza”, launched by the Delegation of Rome and Vatican City, as well as to charitable initiatives promoted by the Archdiocese of Siena–Colle di Val d’Elsa–Montalcino and the Diocese of Arezzo–Cortona–Sansepolcro, including the “Friends of Bartimaeus” project and the initiative of the association “Gemma Burundi OdV.”

The “(Re)Being Born in Gaza” Project

In response to the appeal of the Constantinian Order’s Royal Commission for Italy, the Tuscany Delegation supported the “(Re)Being Born in Gaza” project, launched by the Order’s Delegation of Rome and Vatican City to enable medical personnel operating in the Gaza Strip to assist mothers in childbirth safely.

The recent conflict, which has caused death and destruction in the Gaza Strip, has deprived the Palestinian population of essential services, including healthcare assistance for women in labor. In accordance with the mission of the Order, the Delegation of Rome and Vatican City of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George launched the “(Re)Being Born in Gaza” project to ensure safe childbirth for both mothers and newborns.

To carry out this charitable initiative, and to provide concrete support to medical staff working in the Gaza Strip, the Delegation entered into an agreement with the company SVAS Biosana for the supply—at reduced cost—of 100 medical kits for natural childbirth, cesarean sections, and hysterectomies, as well as materials needed for newborn care immediately after birth. In addition, SVAS Biosana will donate 11,000 neonatal sheets made of spunlace TNT. The purchase of the materials required to assemble the 100 kits—valued at approximately €2,500—will be covered through fundraising donations.

The 100 kits will then be delivered to the Almoner of His Holiness, His Eminence Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity of the Holy See, who will subsequently oversee their delivery to the Gaza Strip.

The “Friends of Bartimaeus” Project

Responding to the intentions of His Eminence Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice, Metropolitan Archbishop of Siena–Colle di Val d’Elsa–Montalcino and Bishop of Montepulciano–Chiusi–Pienza, the Tuscany Delegation supported the “Friends of Bartimaeus” project of the Diocesan Caritas and the Caritas Foundation of the Dioceses of Siena and Montepulciano.

This project provides concrete assistance to families with children suffering from serious illnesses (such as cancer, retinoblastoma, and others), offering temporary accommodation, financial support, and practical assistance—particularly for those receiving treatment at the hospitals of Siena (Le Scotte) and surrounding areas. Its aim is to welcome and support these families throughout the course of treatment, ensuring a network of care and proximity.

The Initiative of the “Gemma Burundi OdV” Association

In response to the intentions of His Excellency the Most Reverend Andrea Migliavacca, Bishop of Arezzo–Cortona–Sansepolcro, the Tuscany Delegation contributed to the initiative of the association “Gemma Burundi OdV,” sponsored by the Diocese of Arezzo–Cortona–Sansepolcro. This initiative made it possible to raise €1,250 in support of the Makamba Orphanage, a place of hope and resilience currently facing a serious humanitarian crisis.

Founded with the aim of providing a safe and loving refuge for orphaned and vulnerable children, the Makamba Orphanage is striving to ensure adequate sustenance and care for its young residents amid increasingly challenging conditions.