Piana degli Albanesi, February 22nd, 2026 – A liturgy was celebrated at the church of San Vito Martire on the occasion of the pilgrimage of the Relic of the staff of Saint Francis of Paola, connected to the Calabrian saint’s miraculous crossing of the Strait of Messina and guarded by the Minimi Friars in the Parish of San Francesco di Paola in Palermo.

The liturgy was celebrated by the Most Reverend Father Porfilio Traficanti, Ecclesiastical Knight of Grace, and the ceremony was presided over by H.E. the Most Reverend Archbishop Raffaele De Angelis, Eparch of Piana degli Albanesi. The Most Reverend Archbishop Salvatore Grimaldi, Ecclesiatical Commander of Grace, served in choir dress.

A representation of Knights and Dames was present, composed of the Vice Delegate of Sicily, Noble Knight Grand Cross Antonio di Janni, the Chancellor Commander Claudio Ragusa, the Commander Gasperino Como, the Knight Maurizio Onofrio Di Stefano, the Dame Eugenia Ferro D’Alessandro and the Meritorious Dr. Pasquale D’Anna.

At the conclusion of the service, the Vice Delegate conveyed to the Eparch greetings from His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Grand Prior and Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, from the Prior of Sicily, His Most Reverend Excellency Mons. Michele Pennisi, and from the Noble Delegate Commander of Justice, Don Lucio Bonaccorsi of the Princes of Reburdone. He also illustrated the activities carried out by the Sicilian Delegation and those of the Order in general, led by H.R.H. Prince and Grand Master Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro.

Finally, His Excellency was presented with a medal from the Sicilian Delegation, depicting the Constantinian Cross on one side and Saint George the Great Martyr, Patron Saint of Piana degli Albanesi, on the other. The Eparch thanked the Vice Delegate for the gift, promising to plan future charitable activities within the Eparchy together.