Milan June 21st, 2026- In the splendid setting of the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore in Milan, the solemn ceremony of the investitures of the delegations of Northern Italy took place. For the occasion, in fact, the regions of Triveneto, Piedmont–Aosta Valley, Liguria and Emilia-Romagna were invited in Lombardy.
The liturgy took place in the presence of the Grand Master, H.R.H. Prince Carlo of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro and Head of the Royal House; the Secretary General, H.E. Don Paolo Costantino Borghese, Prince of Nettuno; the Delegate of Lombardy, Dr. Giuseppe of the Counts Rizzani; as well as Delegates, Vice-Delegates, Priors, Vice-Priors, Representatives, Delegation Councilors, Knights, Dames representing their respective regional delegations, and the postulants. The Grand Prior, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints—assisted by H.E. Bishop Domenico Sigalini, Monsignor Luigi Mistò, Monsignor Arnaldo Morandi (Secretary General of the Office of the Grand Prior), and numerous priests and prelates of the Order, including several Vice-Priors—officiated the investiture and promotion ceremony for over fifty Knights and Dames, in addition to conferring several honors of the Royal Order of Francis I. The appointment diplomas were personally handed to the postulants by H.R.H. the Grand Master, assisted by H.E. the Secretary General and, in turn, by the competent Regional Delegate. His Eminence Cardinal Semeraro then celebrated the Eucharistic liturgy in honor of Santa Maria in Sabato, addressing the attendees with a homily that garnered close attention and profound reflection. He recalled the authentic meaning of belonging to a sacred and military equestrian fellowship that today stands in defense of the Cross of Christ by focusing its interests and commitment on love and solidarity toward the poor and needy, and above all, validating its initiatives through the worthy and exemplary conduct of its members’ lives. The Cardinal concluded with a strong Marian invocation, speaking of Our Lady of Pompeii, patroness of the Royal Family and the Constantinian Order, while also recalling the luminous figure of Blessed Bartolo Longo, who is close to canonization and was the founder of the Shrine of Pompeii. His Eminence pointed to Blessed Longo as an example of a convert and a credible witness to the encounter with Christ that transformed his life. At the end of the celebrations, all the aforementioned authorities and many others in attendance gathered with the Knights and Dames for a fraternal agape. Among others, H.I.R.H. Archduke Martin of Austria-Este was also present. The Milanese and Lombard press gave extensive coverage to the event.
