Inside the historic Church of San Giorgio al Palazzo in Milan, on December 6th, the Noble Dr. Giuseppe of the Counts Rizzani, Delegate for Lombardy, and Monsignor Arnaldo Morandi, Prior of the Delegation, convened Knights and Dames for the traditional pre-Christmas celebration and gathering. The Holy Mass was presided over by Monsignor Morandi who, in his highly appreciated homily, cited the ontological and metaphysical foundations of human dignity, calling upon all members of the Order to a true and personal commitment to the defense of human life wherever it appears most fragile and defenseless today.
The sober and solemn liturgy was embellished by the choir of the Cantori di San Cipriano (Constantinian Silver Medal), conducted by Maestro Knight Alessio Lucchini. For the occasion, the Missa Brevis Militaris Constantiniana opus 30, composed by Maestro Lucchini and offered to the Order, was performed. The performance by both the choir and the two soloists was greatly appreciated.
The rite was attended by H.I.R.H. Archduke Martin of Austria-Este, member of the Royal Deputation; the Noble Senator Gabriele Albertini, Representative of the metropolitan city of Milan; Knight Maurizio Mirandola, Representative of Mantua; Commander Eng. Giuseppe Perego, Representative of Monza-Sondrio; and the Delegation Councilors: the Noble Knight Atty. Diego Zoia, the Noble Commander Andrea Rivoira, the Noble Knight Giovanni Ballarino, and Dame Atty. Maria Clara Bollini. Also present were General Mario Terrasi, Vice Delegate of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) for Lombardy; Dr. Federico Pizzi; and Dame of Command Sister Dr. Emilia Scarcella, National Inspector of the Voluntary Nurse Corps of the Italian Red Cross.
After the celebration, the evening continued fraternally with a reception at the Società del Giardino, with the participation of the Club’s President, Knight Eng. Lorenzo Fiori; Monsignor Commander Gianni Zappa, Dean of the Historic Center of Milan; Don Luca Camisasca, Parish Priest of the Constantinian Basilicas of San Giorgio al Palazzo, San Lorenzo alle Colonne, and Sant’Eustorgio; and Don Maurizio Ceriani, Representative of Pavia-Lodi-Cremona.
Following the Holy Mass, the Delegate, the Prior, and Archduke Martin of Austria-Este presented the various authorities in attendance with the commemorative medal of the Edict of Milan and the commemorative medal for the centenary of the pious passing of the Blessed Emperor Charles of Austria.