On October 27, at the Episcopal Palace of Reggio Emilia, during a private ceremony, His Excellency Rev. Msgr. Giacomo Morandi, Archbishop of the Diocese of Reggio Emilia–Guastalla, received the diploma of Ecclesiastical Knight Grand Cross of Grace from the Delegate for Emilia-Romagna, Count Knight Gian Luca Mattioli Belmonte Cima.
Also present were the Vice Delegate Knight Officer Pietro Coppelli, the Secretary General of the Grand Prior’s Office Msgr. Arnaldo Morandi, the Vice Prior for Emilia Knight Officer Rev. Stefano Antonelli, Knight Grand Cross Ilario Pagani (representative for Modena and Reggio Emilia), and Knight Rev. Dr. Marcello Mantellini of the Diocese of Reggio Emilia.
During the homily delivered at the votive Mass of Saint George, the Archbishop emphasized the importance of the spiritual battle that every Christian must face in their life of faith. Quoting a passage from the Letter to the Ephesians, he urged especially the Knights of the Order to put on the armor of God, equipping themselves with the virtues and spiritual tools necessary to resist evil. The elements of this armor, he said, are the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Msgr. Morandi expressed gratitude for the high honor bestowed upon him, as well as satisfaction at having joined the Constantinian Order of Saint George, where he felt welcomed like in a family. At the end of the ceremony, Msgr. Arnaldo Morandi presented him with a commemorative medal marking the centenary of the death of Blessed Charles of Austria. Don Marcello also gifted him his pectoral cross, expressing thanks to Pietro Coppelli, those present, H.E. Msgr. Gianni Ambrosio, and Cardinal Marcello Semeraro for enabling him to strengthen, through the Order, his spiritual and affectionate bond with his Bishop.
Don Marcello also recalled that the investiture of Msgr. Morandi took place during the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, convened by Constantine, from which the Creed emerged, allowing Christians to recognize themselves in a shared symbol of faith, of which the Bishop is the guarantor as successor of the Apostles.
The group of Knights then visited the prestigious Episcopal Palace, admiring the rich and valuable collection of liturgical silverware of the highest quality, housed in the “Cappella Coccapani” of the episcopal complex.
On Tuesday, November 25, at the Palazzo del Governatore in Parma, an event was held on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The meeting was organized by Dr. Barbara Rainieri, psychologist and psychotherapist, and Cav. Massimo Franchi, territorial representative for Parma.
The event was sponsored by the Municipality of Parma, the Order of Psychologists of Emilia-Romagna, the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, Assoliaison, ANMI Parma Section, UNUCI Parma Section, AssoArma Parma, the Union of OMRI Honorees Parma, AGAMO, FMS, and Overfly.
Following the institutional greetings from the Deputy Mayor of Parma, lawyer Lorenzo Lavagetto, presentations were delivered by Dr. Barbara Rainieri and martial arts instructor Andrea Bisaschi.
In particular, Dr. Rainieri clearly and thoroughly explained what trauma is—namely a biological, emotional, and relational response that remains in the body and nervous system. She also guided the audience through a couple of practical exercises: one focused on body awareness to increase self-awareness, and another on grounding techniques.
Finally, Dr. Rainieri explained why healing from trauma is a political act, as violence originates in power dynamics and trauma is not only individual but also cultural and social. She emphasized both the importance of speaking out to break the silence—helping to overcome shame—and the act of taking care of oneself.
Andrea Bisaschi, an expert in safety and personal defense, then provided the audience with advice on appropriate methods aimed at preventing acts of physical violence.
The organizers expressed their heartfelt thanks to all participants and to the institutions and organizations that supported the event.
Ferrara, Sunday, December 7, 2025 – In preparation for Holy Christmas and in response to the needs that had been expressed, the Representation made a donation to the volunteer association “Servizio Accoglienza alla Vita” (SAV) of Ferrara, which works to support and assist mothers and families in difficulty. On the occasion of the previous donation last October, the volunteers had in fact expressed the need for Christmas sweets to distribute to families during the holidays, given the difficulty in sourcing them at this time of year. Thus, Knights Matteo Zaganelli, Antonio Ombra and Davide Zamboni, together with volunteer Valentino Biocco, in coordination with the Representative, Ecclesiastical Knight Grand Officer of Merit Rev. Don Davide Benini, delivered what they had personally purchased as well as what had been received from their benefactors: 120 pandoros and panettones, along with various Christmas sweets and pastries. In addition, clothing, shoes and other items for children were delivered and, as in the past, household furnishings for the SAV family home. Present at the delivery was the president of SAV, Monica Negrini, whom we thank for the constant collaboration of her association with the Representation and for the opportunity given to help those in need in a tangible way during the upcoming holidays, as well as the ever-present volunteer Lilli Gabellini.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 – At the “Bruno Bolognesi” Barracks in Ferrara, approximately 350 items of clothing bearing counterfeit brands of well-known labels were handed over to the delegation. These items had previously been seized by the Guardia di Finanza Group of Ferrara during a series of operations aimed at fighting the illegal trade of counterfeit goods. Present at the handover were Lieutenant Colonel Domenico Oliveto, Knight Officer Dott. Pietro Coppelli, and Rev. Knight Officer Dott. Don Davide Benini, respectively as Group Commander, Vice Delegate, and Vice Prior for the Constantinian Order in Emilia-Romagna. They were later joined by other officers of the Guardia di Finanza and knights of the Order who took part in the activity in various capacities. The clothing items, stripped of counterfeit trademarks thanks to the diligent work of the officers, will be distributed through the delegation to families in need as an act of charity in view of Holy Christmas and the winter season. The Court of Ferrara, following the conclusion of legal proceedings against those responsible for counterfeiting, having verified that the items were in good condition and not harmful to health, approved the proposal of the Guardia di Finanza to authorize their donation for charitable purposes to the Constantinian Order, for subsequent distribution. In this way, the proceeds of illegal activity, instead of being destroyed, can be redirected to benefit the community in a spirit of genuine solidarity with those in need.
Holy Christmas 2025 – The Parma Representation, composed of Knight Massimo Franchi and volunteer First Lieutenant Francesco Piermarini, in collaboration with the Emporio Solidale of Parma, as part of initiatives supporting religious institutions in the area, donated essential food supplies to the Discalced Carmelite Convent of Parma and exchanged Christmas greetings.
