Città del Vaticano 7 ottobre 2026
Dearest Ladies and Knights,
The feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Most Holy Rosary of Pompeii, Patroness of our Order and of the Royal House of Bourbon of the Two Sicilies, once again invites us to entrust to her not only our daily concerns and hardships, but also the hopes and sufferings of the world. This year, we do so with a particular intention for peace.
There are far too many lands scarred by war, families in mourning, and innocent lives swept away by violence. To invoke Mary as Queen of Peace must not remain merely an expression of our devotion; it must become an insistent prayer and a concrete commitment.
Pope Leo XIV, presiding over the prayer of the Rosary for peace, emphasised: “War divides, hope unites. Arrogance tramples down, love lifts up.” He also reminded us that prayer does not absolve us of our responsibilities, but teaches us how to act.
This is also the meaning of the Rosary. Mystery after mystery, Mary leads us to Christ and teaches us to look at the world through his eyes, to lay aside all resentment, and to become men and women of reconciliation wherever we live.
For us, as members of the Constantinian Order, this invocation takes on an even more specific meaning. The Cross that distinguishes us and the Virgin whom we venerate remind us that our membership in the Order must be reflected in fidelity to the Church, active charity, and generous service to our brothers and sisters.
Let us therefore entrust to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii the Holy Father, Leo XIV, the Church, our Order, and the Royal House of Bourbon of the Two Sicilies. Above all, let us entrust to her the peoples afflicted by war and all those who await the day when the cause of peace will finally prevail everywhere.
May Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary and Queen of Peace, intercede for us and make us authentic servants of harmony and fraternity.
With these sentiments, I assure you of my remembrance in prayer and wholeheartedly bless each one of you and your families.
Marcello Cardinal Semeraro
Grand Prior
