On the first centenary of the passing of the last Queen of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Maria Sofia von Wittelsbach, on Sunday 19th of January 2025 the Delegation of Campania commemorated the courageous Sovereign with a Holy Mass in the presence of H.R.H. the Princess Beatrice of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Grand Prefect, the Delegate for Campania Marquise Federica de Gregorio Cattaneo di Sant’Elia and Doctor Aurelio Badolati, Vice Delegate for Calabria.
The ceremony officiated by Father Roberto Spataro SBD, of the Pontifical Academy Latinitatis, was held in the Palatine Chapel of the Royal Palace of Caserta, which was inaugurated by King Ferdinand IV 240 years ago, during the Christmas night in 1784. The pieces masterfully performed on the pipe organ accompanied the entrance of a large group of Constantinian Knights and Dames.
The choir “Resonare Fabritis” conducted by Maestro Guglielmo De Maria, with the talented soprano Mariachiara Vigoriti, performed the songs that accompanied the religious Function. During the Homily, Mons. Luigi Castiello remembered the strong personality of the Sovereign, who survived the loss of the Kingdom for a long time, remaining very attached to the acquired Homeland and to the populations over which, for a short time, she had reigned together with her husband.
After the pray of the Constantinian Knight, read by Com. Giulio del Vaglio, the Delegate of Campania took the floor to report the message from H.R.H. the Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro, Chief of the Royal House and Grand Master.
Before the end of the Mass, Father Spataro came to H.R.H. the Grand Prefect paying homage in his native language. Among the numerous Knights were also present the Noble Doctor Antonio Oliverio, representative for the city of Crotone, Dame Simona Delfino, representative for the city of Alessandria, and Com. Lt. Giuseppe D’Amico, Delegation Secretary for Molise.
After the Mass, the participants gathered at the Masseria Giosole in Capua for a convivial moment.