On Saturday, June 26th, in Milan, within the framework of the splendid early Christian Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio, the Investiture ceremony of the Lombardy delegation took place.
The celebration, held in compliance with current health safety regulations, was presided over by His Excellency the Most Reverend Monsignor Domenico Sigalini, Bishop Emeritus of Palestrina, assisted by the Prior of Lombardy, Monsignor Arnaldo Morandi, Ecclesiastical Knight Grand Officer of Grace, and by Father Paolo Villa, Knight Commander of Ecclesiastical Grace, who served as master of ceremonies for the Holy Mass in the Ambrosian rite. The Bishop blessed the Constantinian Insignia on behalf of the Grand Prior, while the Vice Delegate, Noble Dr. Giuseppe Rizzani, Knight Commander of Justice, immediately afterwards presented Monsignor Sigalini with the diploma of Ecclesiastical Knight Grand Cross of Grace, a category reserved for Bishops, and then proceeded to welcome the new Knights and Dames, presenting them with their Diplomas of appointment. Numerous Knights and Dames received their investiture, including three clergymen, alongside various promotions and the conferral of Knighthood in the Royal Order of Francis I. The presentation of awards of merit to the most deserving cadets of the Teulié Military School of Milan was highly evocative; they took part in the ceremony in full dress uniform, commanded by their superiors. After the investitures, the Bishop vested in the sacred vestments for the celebration of the Eucharist, which began with a solemn introit procession, accompanied by the Ecclesiastical Knights of Grace in choral robes, while the school sang the solemn “Tu es Sacerdos”. The Prior reminded all present of the opportunity to obtain the special Plenary Indulgence granted by Pope Francis to the Constantinian Order, particularly on the occasion of Investitures. All attendees greatly appreciated the amiability of His Excellency Monsignor Sigalini and his masterful homily.
Ecclesiastical, Civil, and Military Authorities were present. Among the personalities: H.I.R.H. Archduke Martin of Austria, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice and member of the Royal Deputation; H.R.H. Prince Serge of Yugoslavia, grandson of the last King of Italy, Grand Cross of Justice; H.E. Alfonso Ceballos-Escalera y Gila, Duke of Ostuni and Marquis of Floresta, Grandee of Spain, Grand Cross of Justice and Vice Delegate of the Spain delegation; and Noble Prof. Franco Ciufo, Esq., Grand Cross of Grace and Delegate for Abruzzo-Molise.
Prominent personalities honored included: Senator Gabriele Albertini, Knight Grand Cross of Merit; General Mario Terrasi, Knight of Grand Magisterial Grace in Obedience of the S.M.O.M. and Grand Officer of Merit; Daniela Javarone, a prominent figure in Milan’s cultural and charitable circles, Dame Commander of Merit; and Dr. Marco Zibardi, President of the Association of Pontifical Decorated Persons of the Diocese of Milan and collaborator of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, Commander of Merit. Representatives of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, of Portugal, and Pontifical Orders were also present.
In his greetings and expressions of gratitude, Noble Dr. Giuseppe Rizzani conveyed particular appreciation to Monsignor Gianni Zappa—Parish Priest of the parishes of San Marco, San Simpliciano, Santa Maria Incoronata, and San Bartolomeo, and Dean of the Historic Center of Milan—and to Father Luca Camisana, Parish Priest of San Giorgio al Palazzo, San Lorenzo alle Colonne, and Sant’Eustorgio, for their generous welcome and friendly availability. High praise was expressed for the choir of the San Cipriano musical chapel, a Constantinian choir, which beautifully adorned the investiture rite and the Holy Mass under the masterful direction of Maestro Alessio Lucchini, who performed a beautiful hymn to Saint George composed by himself for the occasion. A dutiful and heartfelt thank you goes to the Secretary, Knight Officer Maurizio Mirandola, and the Secretariat Staff for their commendable organizational plan.
The Lombardy Delegation has long maintained collaborative relations with various charitable organizations, giving priority to Diocesan Caritas, prisons, healthcare institutions, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and the Italian Red Cross, with which a national collaboration protocol exists. The solemn celebration represented a definitive commitment for the new Knights and Dames and an important opportunity to renew investiture vows for all present, which could be summarized in the words of the celebrating Bishop: “For the Knights of the Constantinian Order, the Cross of Christ represents the true, precious treasure to safeguard, witness to, bestow, and glorify through Charity.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a pleasant evening lunch followed within the former cloister adjacent to the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio.
