Piana degli Albanesi, February 22nd, 2026- The church of San Vito Martire celebrated a liturgy for the pilgrimage of the Relic of the staff of San Francesco di Paola, which commemorates the Calabrian Saint’s miraculous crossing of the Strait of Messina and is preserved by the Minimi Friars at the Parish of San Francesco di Paola in Palermo.

The liturgy was celebrated by the Very Reverend Don Porfilio Traficanti, Ecclesiatical Knight of Grace, and the ceremony was presided over by H.E. Most Reverend Mons. Raffaele De Angelis, Eparch of Piana degli Albanesi. In choir dress, the Reverend Mons. Salvatore Grimaldi, Ecclesiastical Knight Commander of Grace, was also present.

A delegation of Knights and Dames was present, composed of the Vice Delegate of Sicily Noble Knight Grand Cross of Grace Antonio di Janni.

At the conclusion of the service, the Vice Delegate extended to the Eparch the greetings of His Em. Most Rev. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Grand Prior and Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints; of the Prior of Sicily, H.E. Most Rev. Mons. Michele Pennisi; and of the Delegate Noble Knight Commander of Justice Don Lucio Bonaccorsi of Reburdone. He also outlined the activities carried out by the Delegation of Sicily, as well as, more generally, those of the Order led by H.R.H. the Prince and Grand Master Carlo of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro.

Finally, a medal from the Delegation of Sicily was presented to His Excellency, depicting the Constantinian Cross on one side and Saint George the Great Martyr, Patron of Piana degli Albanesi, on the other side. The Eparch thanked the Vice Delegate for the gift, promising to plan together the upcoming charitable activities to be carried out within the Eparchy.