THE FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS IN MESSINA
On 14 September, the solemn Eucharistic celebration for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross took place at the Protometropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Messina, attended by Ecclesiastical and Lay Knights from the city of Messina and the surrounding province.
The Constantinian Representative for Messina, the Most Reverend Monsignor Mario Di Pietro, Knight of Ecclesiastical Grace, welcomed those present and introduced the celebration. Holy Mass was presided over by the Most Reverend Monsignor Roberto Romeo, Canon and Archbishop’s Delegate for the Cathedral, who was recently appointed a Knight of Ecclesiastical Grace.
Concelebrating were the Most Reverend Don Vincenzo Majuri, Diocesan Delegate for Confraternities, and the Reverend Don Pietro Scolaro, Vicar Forane and also a newly appointed Knight of Constantinian Ecclesiastical Grace.
Among those present were Letterio Sciliberto, Officer Knight; Knights Renato Milazzo and Felice Alessandro Gambadoro; and the Meritorious Member Pasquale Marchesano.
During the celebration, the relic of the Holy Cross was displayed on the altar, as a tangible sign of the devotion that inspires the spirituality of the Order.
In his homily, Monsignor Romeo offered a profound reflection on the identity and mission of a Constantinian Knight, highlighting the responsibility to bear witness to the Christian faith in contemporary society. In a world that needs firm moral and spiritual reference points, he emphasised the importance of courageous and consistent commitment, so that the values of the Catholic faith may continue to have a meaningful impact on today’s world, in Europe and throughout the globe.
The liturgical music and singing were led by Don Pietro Scolaro.
At the end of the celebration, following concluding remarks by Monsignor Di Pietro, the Knights recited the Prayer of the Constantinian Knight. The solemn liturgy concluded with a blessing imparted with the relic of the Holy Cross, bringing to a close a moment of profound spirituality and fraternal communion.
BRICIOLE DI SALUTE AT THE CASA DEL SORRISO IN MONREALE
On Monday, 14 September, the Deputy Delegate for Sicily of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, accompanied by the Meritorious Memberr Lia Giangreco, delivered donations from the Sicily Delegation to the Casa del Sorriso in Monreale.
The Deputy Delegate visited the Casa del Sorriso, where he was welcomed by volunteers Nicoletta and Mailde and a member of the facility’s management. On this occasion, nappies, pasta and baby food were donated. The Deputy Delegate also announced an upcoming visit by H.R.H. Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duchess of Calabria and Palermo and Patroness of the center.
BRICIOLE DI SALUTE AT SAN MARTINO DELLE SCALE
The charitable project “Briciole di Salute” continues at the Benedictine Abbey of San Martino delle Scale, where the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George has once again renewed its support for families in need with young children.
With the approval of the Deputy Delegate for Sicily, Noble Antonio di Janni, Knight Grand Cross of Grace, a substantial quantity of essential goods was delivered to the Abbot, Dom Vittorio Giovanni Rizzone, and Dom Bernardo Maria Velardi, for children assisted by the Benedictine Caritas. The donation included nappies in various sizes, baby food, pasta, milk, infant food products, cereal creams, fruit purées, biscuits, blankets and changing mats.
The Rotary Club Palermo Montepellegrino also took part in the initiative, contributing to the collection through its project Briciole rotariane di salute (“Rotarian Crumbs of Health”).
Representing the Constantinian Order at the delivery were Knight Antonio Vitiello, Knight Rosario Tantillo, and Commanders Pietro Francesco Mistretta, Pietro Macaluso and Antonio Fundarò. The Rotary Club was represented by its President, Mario Vitiello; former presidents Antonio Fundarò and Freda Liotta; Vice President Pierfrancesco Mistretta; and other members and benefactors who contributed to the collection.
The initiative confirms the Constantinian Order’s ongoing commitment to families in difficulty and renews a long-standing collaboration founded on solidarity and practical support for children.
The exaltation of the Holy Cross in Acireale
In Acireale, in the evocative setting of the Basilica of San Sebastiano, the Constantinian Knights of the Province of Catania gathered on 14 September to celebrate the solemn liturgical feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, an occasion of particular spiritual significance for members of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Reverend Dean, Don Alessandro Di Stefano, Knight of Ecclesiastical Grace. In his homily, the priest invited the faithful to reflect on the profound meaning of the Cross of Christ, emphasising that all who turn their gaze towards the Lord in faith can find in Him comfort, hope and salvation. The poison of sin and suffering, introduced into humanity by the devil, finds its definitive defeat in the Cross of Christ and is rendered powerless by the redeeming power of the Saviour’s sacrifice.
The celebration was a moment of deep spiritual communion and a renewed affirmation of the values of faith and belonging that inspire the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.
Those attending the solemn ceremony included Knights Giuseppe Longo, Giuseppe Di Gregorio, Tony Zarillo, Diego Bellia, Emanuele Currò and Luca Longo; Commander Cosimo Costa, Representative for Ragusa; and Commander Marcello Cantone, Representative for Noto and Nicosia.
The exaltation of the Holy Cross in Mazara del Vallo
On Monday, 14 September 2026, Knight Giuseppe Lipari and Commander Baldassare Cacioppo joined the faithful in celebrating the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at the Church of Santa Gemma Galgani in Mazara del Vallo.
The solemn Eucharistic liturgy was celebrated by the parish priest, Don Franco Geraldo Caruso, Knight of Ecclesiastical Grace and Representative of the Sicily Delegation for the Diocese of Mazara del Vallo, assisted by concelebrant Don Antony Antison.
During his homily, Don Franco recalled the historical and spiritual connection between the Feast of the Holy Cross and the Constantinian Order of Saint George, emphasising the saving power of the Cross, which should be understood as a sign of God’s life: “A Cross that embraces humanity and leads it to the fullness of life.”
Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Palermo
On Monday, 24 September, on the occasion of the solemnity of the Holy Cross, one of the principal feasts of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George commemorating Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, and the discovery of the relic of the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Knights of the illustrious Constantinian Order gathered at the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà under the leadership of the Deputy Delegate, Noble Knight Grand Cross of Grace Antonio di Janni.
Those present included the Delegation’s Chancellor, Commander Claudio Ragusa; Commanders Vincenzo Nuccio, Pietro Macaluso and Antonino Maria Patti; Officer Knights Rosario Tantillo and Alessandro Palazzotto; Knights Giovanni Messina and Filippo Gagliano; and Dames Maria Carmela Munda Corselli and Mariella Spagnolo.
The liturgy was presided over by the parish priest, Don Giuseppe Di Giovanni, Knight of Ecclesiastical Grace. The Constantinian chaplains also took part: Monsignor Gaetano Tulipano, priest of Palermo’s Parrocchia Senatoria and Canon of the Royal Palatine Chapel; Don Giuseppe Iozzia, Assistant Parish Priest of Sant’Antonio Abate; and Don Luca Albanese, parish priest of the church in Polizzi and assistant parish priest in Castellana Sicula. They attended the service wearing choir dress and the mozzetta.
Father Di Giovanni recalled the importance of this feast for all Christians, as it celebrates Christ’s victory over sin and death. The Cross should not be regarded merely as a patibulum, an instrument of execution, but rather as a sign of rebirth from sin and the means through which Christians attain eternal life. During the celebration, the memory of Noble Knight Professor Manlio Corselli, who died prematurely, was also honoured.
At the end of the liturgy, the Knights and all the faithful received the blessing with the relic of the Holy Cross, preserved at the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà.
Briciole di salute in Carini
On 23 September, the Deputy Delegate for Sicily, Noble Antonio di Janni, Knight Grand Cross of Grace, delivered essential supplies and basic necessities to the Archpriest of Carini, Don Giacomo Sgroi, Knight of Ecclesiastical Grace. The items were intended for children from disadvantaged families supported by the Briciole di Salute project and included nappies, baby food and pasta.
The Archpriest expressed his gratitude for the monthly support provided by the project to families in difficulty, for the benefit of their youngest members.
Briciole di salute in Patti
The Briciole di Salute project continues at the “Sacra Famiglia” Diocesan Welcome House in Patti.
On the afternoon of 2 October 2026, with the approval of the Deputy Delegate for Sicily of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, Noble Antonio di Janni, Knight Grand Cross of Grace, the charitable initiative once again provided support to the welcome house, which has for years accommodated the relatives of patients admitted to the nearby “Barone Romeo” Hospital. Strongly supported by His Excellency the Most Reverend Monsignor Guglielmo Giombanco, Bishop of Patti, the facility represents an important point of reference for those caring for loved ones during hospitalisation.
The Constantinian Knights Antonino Smiroldo and Tony Zarrillo were welcomed by the Sisters of the Franciscan Sisters of the Third Regular Order of Saint Francis, who received essential goods intended particularly for preparing breakfasts for guests who go to the hospital each morning to visit their hospitalised relatives.
Sister Seleena and Sister Shiny were present and conveyed the greetings of the facility’s director, who was absent because she had been summoned to the Institute’s spirituality centre in Rome. The Sisters expressed their gratitude for this ongoing act of solidarity and emphasised the importance of the support provided to the residents.
The meeting concluded with a moment of fellowship and an exchange of views on future initiatives in support of the Institute. The Sisters renewed their thanks on behalf of the Bishop, His Excellency the Most Reverend Monsignor Guglielmo Giombanco, and assured those present and all the project’s benefactors of their prayers.
