Milan, June 21st, 2025. In the splendid setting of the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore in Milan took place the solemn celebration of the investitures of the Northern Italian delegations. The regions of Tri-Veneto, Piedmont-Valle d’Aosta, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna were summoned in Lombardy for the ceremony.
The liturgy took place in the presence of the Grand Master H.R.H. Prince Charles of Bourbon Two-Sicilies, Duke of Castro and Head of the Royal House, the Secretary General H.E. Don Paolo Costantino dei Principi Borghese, Prince of Nettuno, the Delegate of Lombardy Dr. Giuseppe dei Conti Rizzani, the Delegates, Vice Delegates, Priors and Vice Priors, Representatives, Delegation Councilors, Knights and Dames, representing their regional delegations, and the applicants. Grand Prior Card. Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, assisted by H. E. Mons. Domenico Sigalini, Mons. Luigi Mistò, Mons. Arnaldo Morandi, Secretary General of the Office of the Grand Prior, and numerous priests and prelates of the Order, including several Vice Priors, officiated the rite of investiture and promotion for more than fifty Knights and Dames, as well as the conferral of several Honors of the Royal Order of Francis I. The candidates were personally presented with their diplomas of appointment by H.R.H. the Grand Master, assisted by H.E. the Secretary General and, from time to time, the relevant Regional Delegate. His Eminence Cardinal Semeraro then celebrated the Eucharistic liturgy in honor of Saint Mary in Sabato, addressing those present with a homily that captivated everyone’s attention and profound reflection. He recalled the true meaning of the membership in a sacred and military equestrian association that today defends the Cross of Christ, placing love and solidarity toward the poor and needy at the center of its interests and commitment, but above all validating its initiatives with the worthy and exemplary conduct of its members. The Cardinal concluded with a strong Marian reference, speaking of Our Lady of Pompeii, patroness of the Royal Family and the Constantinian Order, and also recalling the luminous figure of Blessed Bartolo Longo, soon to be canonized and founder of the shrine of Pompeii. His Eminence indicated Blessed Longo as an example of a convert, a credible witness to the encounter with Christ that changed his life. At the conclusion of the Celebrations, all the aforementioned dignitaries and the many others present spent time with the Knights and Dames for a fraternal agape. Among those present was H.R.I.H. Archduke Martin of Habsburg-Este. The Milanese and Lombard press gave wide coverage to the event.
