July 7, 2020

Invitation to Pontifical Mass in Newark, New Jersey on Thursday, July 16

Dear Confratelli and Consorelle,

The Dean of our Delegation's clergy, Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph Ambrosio, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Newark, New Jersey has graciously invited our cavalieri and dame to assist in church robes at a Pontifical Mass next week. 

The special Mass will be celebrated by His Excellency, Bishop Arthur Serratelli, on the parish's patronal feast day, Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 7 pm. 

Seating is limited due to Covid-19 restrictions. If you plan on attending, please RSVP at this website ASAP so that the parish is aware of the number of attendees, and kindly reply to this email as well, so that our Delegation office is aware of the number attending. 

IHSV

May 15, 2020

Beatrice of Bourbon and her plan to relaunch tourism, businesswoman and builder of possible dreams

Beatrice di Borbone
The Princess recounts the history of the wonders of southern Italy: places, scents, artists, artisans, landscapes and specialties

By Nadia Verdile | May 14, 2020

Naples – Beatrice of Bourbon, princess of the Two Sicilies, is a woman of disarming simplicity. Smiling, welcoming, generous, her beautiful blue eyes without frills, without trimmings. 

A friend of the south of Italy to which she is tied by a rapport of history and love, she left her adopted land of France a few months ago to come “home.”

After a life lived in France, you picked Italy, you picked Sicily, as your home of choice. Why?
I lived for many years in France where I studied, I worked, I married and raised my daughter and son; now I have a little free time and I want to spend it in the best way possible. I am a big traveler, and I have chosen to spend more time in Italy because this country is a melting pot of culture and beauty. Why Sicily? Because I love this island and its inhabitants. I have visited it far and wide; I am fascinated by the incredible city of Noto. But everywhere in Sicily, everywhere is beautiful. From Catania to Palermo, one end to the other of the island gives off a perfume of history, made up of extraordinary people.

But Naples remains in your heart…
How can one not love Naples? I try to be there as much as I can, whenever possible. I deeply love this city and I hope, one day, to move there permanently.

Before the pandemic brought the world to its knees, you were ready to launch a platform for promoting southern Italy: tourism, small businesses, artisans. Where does your project stand? 
Yes, that’s right, and never before has this project been as timely as it is now. We’re working on it every day, we count a lot on tourism which everyone knows has been suffering greatly during these months in which the world has stopped due to the pandemic. I have brought different partners to this project, and through this interview, I invite others to join us. This platform will move along three lines: 
– recounting the history of the wonders of southern Italy, its places, its scents, its artists, its artisans, its landscapes, its specialties;
– promoting and marketing the region’s different products. Silks, porcelain, ceramics, accessories, excellent agricultural produce.
– developing and offering trips with original, themed itineraries, visits to private palaces, hidden villages, islands, to make known the excellence of the south, its extraordinary artisan-keepers of centuries-old traditions.

Princess, is it true that you are working on a collection you have designed?
Yes, that’s right. A designer shop in line with what the platform will be promoting will offer a selection of products by different artisans, as well as a collection designed by myself which will be available exclusively on the site. I will tell you that various products will soon be presented in a boutique in New York where I am designing the décor and furnishings. Another will soon be opened in France, in Paris.

A citizen of the world, you have always worked to make southern Italy known, you have always believed in the south’s potential. What ties you to this land?
The south has much potential, much talent, much beauty. I am tied to this land above all because of my family’s history, but here everything is another reason to always desire it: its beauty for example, but also its hospitality, and its proofs of friendship and fidelity which have always accompanied me and my family; when I am here in the beautiful south I always breath friendly air, I feel the affection, the community. It is an extraordinary experience. 

If Aladdin’s fabled lamp granted you three wishes, for what would you ask its genie?
If I had that special chance, I would express a single wish: that the platform to which I am dedicating all of my energy and my whole heart would contribute to building up this territory, and to anchor young people to their origins so that they no longer would have to look far from home for those opportunities in which their land can and must be rich.

Beatrice of Bourbon, the princess, is like this. A businesswoman, a builder of possible dreams and concrete paths. And a generous woman.

Through the nonprofit organization Constantinian Order Charity, a fundraiser was launched a few weeks ago for southern Italian hospitals. To date, over 200,000 euros have been allocated to hospitals on the frontline of the fight against Covid-19. Would you like to talk about this?
The Constantinian Order Charity nonprofit organization is directed by my brother, Prince Carlo, head of the Royal Family. He decided to personally involve himself in contributing to our Country at such a difficult time, to help hospitals and those who work on the frontline of the battle, and the fight against Covid. At the end of the week there will be another two donations made in Puglia, in Foggia and Bari.

With a family tree speaking the languages of half of Europe, Beatrice of Bourbon chose to speak in Italian, with forays of the heart between the Trinacria (Sicily) and Partenope (Naples). And she brings the south to the world.

May 14, 2020

2020 Virtual Novena and Feast Day Celebration of Our Lady of Sacro Monte

I warmly invite you to virtually participate in the triduum and the feast of Our Lady of Sacro Monte, Our Blessed Mother and Holy Protectress, which will be live-streamed on the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church of Newark’s Facebook page and the Catholic Society of Our Lady of Sacro Monte of Novi Velia Facebook page.

Feast Program

Thursday, May 14
First Day of the Triduum: Novena at 8 pm

Friday, May 15
Second Day of the Triduum: Novena at 8 pm

Saturday, May 16
Third Day of the Triduum and Vigil of the Feast: Vigil Mass at 7 pm

Sunday, May 17
Feast day: Festal Mass with Panegyric at 11 am.

Immediately following Mass:

Virtual Celebratory Gathering on Catholic Society of Our Lady of Sacro Monte of Novi Velia.

Click on these links to watch the livestreamed events:

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Newark, NJ and Catholic Society of Our Lady of Sacro Monte of Novi Velia.

Cosi’ Vi invito tutti calorosamente di partecipare virtualmente al triduo ed alla festa della Madonna del Sacro Monte, la nostra Beata Madre e Protettrice, che saranno trasmessi in diretta dalla chiesa parrocchiale della Madonna del Carmine a Newark sulla loro pagina Facebook, e sulla pagina Facebook della Congrega Maria SS del Sacro Monte di Novi Velia

Programma della Festa

Giovedi’ 14 maggio

Primo giorno del triduo: Novena alle ore 20 (8) p.m.

Venerdi’ 15 maggio
Secondo giorno del triduo: Novena alle ore 20 (8) p.m.

Sabato 16 maggio
Terzo giorno del triduo e vigilia della festa: Messa vespertina alle ore 19 (7) p.m.

Domenica 17 maggio
Giorno della festa: Messa festiva con panegirico alle ore 11 a.m.

Subito dopo la Messa

Raduno festivo virtuale presso Congrega Maria SS del Sacro Monte di Novi Velia.

Cliccate su questi link per guardare le dirette:

Chiesa Madonna del Carmine – Newark, NJ e Congrega Maria SS del Sacro Monte di Novi Velia.

April 23, 2020

Happy Feast of St. George!

A Prayer to St. George, for Triumph in My Battles 

Mighty God, Saint George was nicknamed the "Victory Bringer" because he relied on Your power to defeat evil wherever he went. Starting out as a soldier in his country's army, he converted and became a soldier for Christ. Laying down the world's armor by giving his wealth to the poor, he forever after carried the shield of faith and won many victories for those who sought Your help. I ask him to pray for the battles I've been enduring, and to bring Your triumph into my life. Lord Jesus, help me to overcome the Enemy and teach me how to protect myself with ever-increasing faith. Saint George, pray for me. Amen.

April 20, 2020

A Note from the Delegate: Preparing for the Feast of Saint George

Monday, April 20, 2020

Dear Confratelli and Consorelle,

We are a few days away from celebrating the solemnity of our principal patron, Saint George, Martyr. He is one of the most ancient, revered and beloved saints of the Church, in both West and East. The patron of a number of countries as well as soldiers, he is also one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

From the very beginning of our Order as the Golden Militia, Saint George has been its main protector. He shall always be our constant companion, heroic model and heavenly friend as we imitate both his virtues and efforts in the glorification of the Holy Cross, the defense of the Catholic Faith and charity toward neighbor.

According to our Statutes, we are expected to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on this holy day. This year of course, we are unable to do so in person because of the Coronavirus. However, each of us should do our best to worship Almighty God and honor Saint George, in union with our fellow knights and dames of the American Delegation, and the universal Order.

Knight of Ecclesiastical Grace, Very Rev. Canon Matthew L. Talarico (a chaplain of our Order and the Provincial Superior of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest) will celebrate a special Mass with homily for the feast of Saint George, on Thursday April 23 at 12 Noon EST.

Please make every effort to join your confratelli and consorelle ‘virtually attending’ this Mass in honor of our Patron.

Click here for the link.

During these preparatory days, we shall celebrate a triduum in honor of Saint George. Meditations and prayer texts will be sent out. Please remember in your prayers our Grand Master, Grand Prefect, the entire Royal House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, our Grand Prior and the rest of the Order’s officials, our American Delegation and all Delegations.

Let us also pray for the success of the Constantinian Order Charity’s efforts, and especially our own, as we generously seek to do our part in the battle against Covid-19 by providing vital supplies, equipment and resources to hospitals and healthcare workers.

May the glorious Saint George intercede for a swift end to the virus and the suffering it has caused, and may he continue to protect us all!

IHSV,

Cav. John Viola
Delegate

April 5, 2020

March 26, 2020

Support the Constantinian Order's Italian Hospital Relief Fund

Dear Confratelli and Consorelle, Friends and Supporters,

First and foremost, I pray that all of you, and your loved ones, are safe and well.

During these difficult times for the United States, Italy and the world, it is important that we remember our calling as Knights and Dames of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George is to serve those in need to the best of our abilities. Every nation, and surely every family, is dealing with this crisis every day, and Italy, the home of our Most Sacred Order for centuries, has suffered immensely.

To that end, our Grand Master, HRH Prince Carlo of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, has called on the Knights and Dames of the Constantinian Order around the world, and our friends and families, to help gather support for Italy’s hospitals and those working on the front lines in this global health emergency.

Many great efforts, and worthy fundraisers, have already been launched to support Italy’s most affected hospitals, but we are concerned about institutions and areas where the spread of this epidemic and a lack of intensive care equipment might have even more dramatic consequences, particularly in the South of Italy and Sicily, the spiritual homeland of our Constantinian Order.

Therefore, the Constantinian Order Charity Onlus, our Italian charitable arm, has launched fundraising initiative in which donations will be distributed equally among those under-supported hospitals so in need of additional equipment and intensive care capacity.

The Order's Headquarters in Rome, Italy has contributed a “Leadership Gift” of 50.000 euros to launch this initiative, and has called on Delegations like ours, around the world, to initiate their own efforts to help grow this important source of critical aid.

I am personally asking that those of you who can consider making a donation of ANY amount to this cause, and of equal importance, help us to spread the word through emails, social media postings, and any means by which you might engage a wider circle in our work.

Please consider making even a donation of even a few dollars, not only to help us raise as much as possible, but to send a message of solidarity from our American Delegation to our Confratelli and Consorelle leading this valuable initiative in Italy. As much as we seek to raise the greatest amount possible, is as much as we would love to see all off the Knights and Dames of the US Delegation participating with us.

The US Delegation has created the GoFundMe Charitable Campaign below. All gifts to the United States Delegation are fully tax-deductible, and every donation represents a significant contribution to our global effort to create hope in a time of hopelessness.

I sincerely thank you all for taking the time to read this, for helping our cause, for spreading this message, and for your continued support and confraternity.

I look forward to seeing you at the lighter end of this dark tunnel.

In This Sign, surely, We Will Conquer!

IHSV,

John M. Viola,
United States Delegate


The American Delegation Of The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization located in New York, New York.

March 22, 2020

Fundraiser COVID-19 Emergency

Dear Knights and Dames,
we have to personally commit to support Italy during this hard moment for all of us and to especially help hospitals and those working on the front lines in the daily fight against this health emergency.
Several fundraisers have already been launched to support Italy’s most affected hospitals, but I am concerned about establishments where the spread of this epidemic and a lack of intensive care equipment might have even more dramatic consequences.          
Our Order, which has always been engaged to help hospitals, through the Constantinian Order Charity Onlus has launched a fundraising initiative whose donations will be distributed equally among those healthcare structures with fewer resources which need to increase their equipment and intensive care capacity.
Each euro that you will donate will represent a glimmer of hope and a small drop of life that will help us overcome this adversity!
We do not want to set goals, let’s try to raise as much as we can. The first 50.000 euros have already been allocated.
Solidarity is an immense force. Let's join all together to help and support each other!
I sincerely thank you for your generosity and for the dissemination and sharing of this collection.
Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies

March 9, 2020

March 11, 2020 Day of Prayer and Fasting, Message from the Vatican

Ora pro nobis, San Rocco
The San Rocco Society of Potenza statue at Most Precious Blood Church in Little Italy, New York
Dear Confratelli and Consorelle,

The following is an invitation from the Vatican:

The Vatican is calling for a day of prayer and fasting on Wednesday, March 11, in order to invoke divine help and intervention against the coronavirus in Rome, Italy, and the world, announced Cardinal De Donatis on March 6, 2020.

Response from the United States Delegation of the Order:

In this spirit, the Leadership of the United States Delegation is inviting members of the Order to participate in a Novena of prayer to St. Rocco, who has been venerated for centuries by the faithful as the holy protector against the plague and all contagious diseases. The Novena to St. Rocco is to begin Wednesday, March 11, and continue through Thursday, March 19, the feast of St. Joseph. Each member is asked to make the commitment of reciting devoutly the Novena Prayer below. Along with this prayer, one might also freely choose to offer up additionally a small sacrifice, an act of charity, or a good deed for this urgent intention.

Who is St. Rocco?

After distributing all of his nobleman goods to the poor, St. Rocco traveled humbly throughout 14th century Italy as a pilgrim. From Aquapendente to Censena, from Modena to Parma, and finally in Rome itself, St. Rocco devoted himself with heroic charity to victims of the plague, curing them with prayer and the sign of the cross. During his travels, he too contracted the plague which was evident by an open sore on his leg. After many sufferings and much patience, St. Rocco was eventually cured, only then to be falsely accused as a spy. After several years of imprisonment, he died a holy death which edified many.

An Italian Tradition for the Good of Body and Soul:

From shortly after his death in the mid-14th century until the present day, the Southern Italian people have time and time again offered prayers and processions with the relics of St. Rocco, invoking his powerful intercession for good health and protection against cholera epidemics and all types of contagious diseases. Born of a true spirit of Faith and Charity, this pious practice of our Italian ancestors which has been proven to be so effective for the good of society and for the edification of souls should be promoted and spread. May this devout custom of invoking St. Rocco preserve us all from the coronavirus contagion while obtaining for us the grace we need to this Lent to grow in virtue and holiness in our homes and families, in our workplaces, and in our world.

Novena Prayer to Saint Rocco to be recited by Members of the Order from March 11-19, 2020:

O Great St. Rocco, deliver us, we beseech thee, from the scourges of God; through thy intercession, preserve our bodies from contagious diseases, and our souls from the contagion of sin. Obtain for us salubrious air; but, above all, purity of heart. Assist us to make good use of health, to bear suffering with patience; and, after thy example, to live in the practice of penance and charity, that we may one day enjoy the happiness which thou has merited by thy virtues. St. Rocco, pray for us (say three times)

Optional Latin version:

RESPONSORIO A SAN ROCCO

Ave, Roche Santissime
Qui nobili natus sanguine
Crucis signaris schemate
Sinistro tuo latere.

Numinis in praesentia
Nostra nunc serva corpora
Et crucis per praesidia
A peste oppidum libera.

Roche, peregre profectus
Pestifere mortis ictus
Curavisti mirifice
Tangendo salutifere.

Vale, Roche qui angelice
Vocis citatus flamine
Obtinuiste deifice
A cunctis pestem pellere.

Sit Christe Rex piissime
Tibi Patrique gloria
Cum Spiritu Paraclito
Et nunc et in perpetuum.

V.  Ora pro nobis, beate Roche.  R.  Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

OREMUS
Populum tuum, quaesumus Domine, continua pietate custodi, et beati Rochi suffragantibus meritis, ab omni fac animae et corporis contagione securum. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

IHSV

March 4, 2020

Solemn High Mass for the Feast of St. Joseph in Newark, New Jersey

Dear Confratelli and Consorelle,

The American Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George has been invited to assist at a Solemn Mass that will be sung on Thursday, March 19th, 2020 at 7:00pm for the Feast of St. Joseph at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 259 Oliver Street, Newark, New Jersey.

The Mass will be celebrated by the Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Ambrosio, Pastor and Rev. Michael Barone will preach, both of whom are Chaplains of the Order.

In celebration of Msgr. Ambrosio's name day, after Mass, all are invited to a Traditional Italian Saint Joseph's Table in the parish center with music provided by the Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra. RSVP to Cav. Prof. Eric Lavin by phone at (201) 566-8862 or via e-mail at ericlavin18@gmail.com by March 15th, 2020.

Knights and Dames may attend in church robes.

We hope that you all can attend this most beautiful occasion.


IHSV

February 28, 2020

Pontifical Requiem Mass at the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist, Saturday, March 7th

Dear Confratelli and Consorelle,

The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George has been invited to assist in choir in church robes and decorations a Pontifical Requiem Mass at the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist, 279 Atlantic Street, Stamford, Connecticut, on Saturday, March 7th at 12 noon.

The Mass will commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Death of Ignatius Cardinal Kung Pin-Mei Bishop of Shanghai. The celebrant will be His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke. Knights and Dames who plan to attend please contact our confratello Cav. Michael Limongello at 404-680-0635 or michael@limongello.org.

IHSV

February 24, 2020

Happy Birthday Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro and Grand Master of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George

Photo courtesy of Real Casa di Borbone
We wish His Royal Highness a very Happy Birthday! May our loving God continue to bless you with peace and happiness!

February 8, 2020

Distributing Food to the Homeless on the Feast of St. Titus

Thank you to this month's volunteers.
Thursday, February 6th, members of the Constantinian Auxiliary prepared and distributed food to the homeless in Chinatown and Two Bridges, New York on the Feast of St. Titus. Meeting at the Church of the Transfiguration (29 Mott St.), volunteers prepared care packages replete with toiletries, winter hats, gloves, scarves, and ready to eat food, including containers of freshly cooked penne marinara generously donated by our dear friends at Caffé Napoli (191 Hestor Street) in Little Italy.

Once again, we want to thank Antonio, Anna and Konstantinos Mavrianos-Cesare of the St. Rocco Society for their hard work and dedication. You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you Louis Fontana of Caffé Napoli; and Cav. John Napoli for your continued assistance. Your heartfelt generosity and selflessness is greatly appreciated. And as always, special thanks to Pastor Lo for your support and blessings. It is an honor to serve with such an outstanding group of people. God Bless you all. IHSV

The next walk will be on Thursday, March 5th—the First Week of Lent—at 7:00 PM. Anyone interested in supporting this charitable endeavor can contact Cav. John Napoli at jnapoli@smocsg.org or Anna Mavrianos-Cesare at MsAnnaNY@aol.com.

January 29, 2020

Announcing the Third Annual Lepanto Conference in New York City

Dear Confratelli and Consorelle,

The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George has been invited to attend in choir in church robes and decorations a Solemn Pontifical Mass from the Throne, at the Dominican Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, 869 Lexington Avenue (at 66th Street), New York, NY on Saturday February 15th at 11 am.

The Mass will commemorate the souls lost at the Battle of Lepanto to which our Order sent a fighting force, as well as persecuted Christians of our own day. The celebrant will be His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Zen, Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong.

Knights and Dames who plan to attend please contact our confratello, Cav. Michael Limongello at 404-680-0635 or michael@limongello.org.

January 10, 2020

Distributing Food to the Homeless on the Feast of Sant'Adriano di Canterbury

Thank you to this month's volunteers.
Thursday, January 9th, members of the Constantinian Auxiliary prepared and distributed food to the homeless in Chinatown and Two Bridges, New York on the Feast of St. Adrian of Canterbury. Meeting at the Church of the Transfiguration (29 Mott St.), volunteers prepared care packages replete with toiletries, winter hats, gloves, scarves, and ready to eat food, including containers of freshly cooked penne marinara generously donated by our dear friends at Caffé Napoli (191 Hestor Street) in Little Italy.

Once again, we want to thank Antonio, Anna and Konstantinos Mavrianos-Cesare of the St. Rocco Society for their hard work and dedication. You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you Louis Fontana of Caffé Napoli; and Cav. John Napoli for your continued assistance. Your heartfelt generosity and selflessness is greatly appreciated. And as always, special thanks to Pastor Lo for your support and blessings. It is an honor to serve with such an outstanding group of people. God Bless you all. IHSV

The next walk will be on Thursday, February 6th—the Feast of St. Alfonso Maria Fusco—at 7:00 PM. Anyone interested in supporting this charitable endeavor can contact Cav. John Napoli at jnapoli@smocsg.org or Anna Mavrianos-Cesare at MsAnnaNY@aol.com.
Before heading to the church, we picked up the food from Caffé Napoli.
Our pal Louis Fontana of Caffé Napoli 
Caffé Napoli donated a heaping tray of penne marinara. 
Anna, Konstantinos and Tony
Participants said prayed for the homeless

January 3, 2020

Volunteers Needed for the January 2020 Constantinian Food Walk in New York City

Don't just talk the talk, come walk the walk with your knightly brethren at the monthly Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George Auxiliary Corps food walk. On Thursday, January 9th at 7:00PM volunteers will meet at the Church of the Transfiguration cafeteria (29 Mott Street—entrance on Mosco St.) in Chinatown, New York to prepare and distribute food to the homeless. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and street duds. Anything you can donate (ready-to-eat food, toiletries, etc.) will be greatly appreciated.

Anyone interested in supporting this charitable endeavor can contact Cav. John Napoli at jnapoli@smocsg.org or Anna Mavrianos-Cesare at MsAnnaNY@aol.com.

January 1, 2020

Happy Birthday Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon–Two Sicilies, Duchess of Noto and Capri!

Photo courtesy of Real Casa di Borbone
We wish Her Royal Highness a very Happy Birthday and Happy New Year! May God continue to bless you with peace, love and happiness!