Delegation of Abruzzi and Molise

The Delegation of Abruzzi and Molise, close to the Christmas holidays, organised an intense weekend of ceremonies with the participation and precious patronage of the National Italian Association of the Knights of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George (ANCCI).

On Saturday 4 December, the ceremonies started with the presentation of the book: “LA LITURGIA È ANCORA SACRA?“, with the participation of the author, Knight Angelo Pellicioli. In addition, the volume “PATRIS CORDE –Atti del Ritiro Spirituale e Storico – Castelpetroso 2021” was presented. The Delegation wrote it and it contains the work carried out by the speakers during the important Retreat in Castelpetroso in September 2021.

The candidates to the investiture retired in prayer with Chaplain Father Mauro Colarusso and Liturgical Master Dr. Angelo Pellicioli, in memory of the traditional promise of the ancient Knights in order to be prepared for the important engagement of the following day.

At 8.30 p.m., the Gran Gala began in the ballroom of the Grande Albergo Dora in Venafro-Pozzilli in the presence of the Delegate for Abruzzi and Molise, Franco Ciufo, civil and military personalities and many Knights and Dames with their families. They all wore formal dresses. On Sunday 5 December, the investiture ceremony of the new Knights who joined the Delegation was held, followed by the celebration of the Solemn Holy Mass, presided over by H.E. The Most Reverend Bishop of Isernia-Venafro, Mons. Camillo Cibotti, concelebrated by The Most Reverend Father Mauro Colarusso, Knight of Ecclesiastical Grace, in the presence of the Delegate for Abruzzi and Molise, Prof. Lawyer Franco Ciufo, and the Delegate of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem for Molise, Prof. Lawyer Giuseppe Reale. The religious ceremony was accompanied by the Choir of the Constantinian Chapel in Venafro, conducted by Maestro Marciano Oliva. During the Mass, Father Salvatore Rinandi, Canon of the Cathedral and head of the ‘Il Girasole’ Association, received some vouchers to buy fresh meat for the poorest people.

Please find herewith a message from the Delegate of Abruzzi and Molise, Prof. Esq. Franco Ciufo:

Dear Brothers, Sisters and friends,

the Delegation of Abruzzi and Molise is gathering, together with families and friends, for a series of events that will take place over the weekend of Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December 2021 in Venafro (IS). It will be an opportunity to exchange Christmas and end-of-year greetings in the presence of the Dignitaries of the Order.

I am sending this message and indicating the programme well in advance in order to enable all of you to plan and organise your participation. (You will receive the final calendar of events later).

On Saturday 4 December at 4.30 p.m., in the conference hall of the Hotel Dora, in Via S.S. 85 Venafrana Km. 24,600 – Pozzili (IS): a historical conference will be held with the presentation of books and exhibition of works by our Brothers and Sisters. The topic will be communicated in the final programme.

At 8.30 p.m. the Grand Gala 2021 in the Salone delle Feste of the Hotel Dora in Pozzilli-Venafro will start.

Tailcoats are required for gentlemen and evening dress for ladies, with decorations; dinner jackets are allowed, with only miniature decorations or the Order’s decoration (military personnel in Grand Gala with bow tie and decorations).

On Sunday 5 December at 10.30 a.m., a solemn Holy Mass will be celebrated, presided over by H.E. the Bishop and concelebrated by our brother priests, with the Investiture of new Knights and Dames, promotions and awarding of Medals of Merit, in the Co-Cathedral of Venafro dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption in Via Duomo in Venafro (IS).

For the occasion, the Hotel Dora has proposed a very advantageous special agreement.

In view of the expected large influx, it is vital to send the reservation with the number of accompanying persons as soon as possible and, in any case, no later than 15 November by replying exclusively to this e-mail (ordinecostantinianoabruzzomolise@yahoo.com).

As regards hotel reservations (overnight stay and breakfast), you may contact the hotel management directly, 0865.908006, pointing out that you belong to the Delegation of the Constantinian Order (for the special agreement).

Prof. Esq. Franco Ciufo

The Delegation of Abruzzo and Molise organized the spiritual retreat for the Knights and aspiring candidates of the Order, as every year. The spiritual exercises were held at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows of Castelpetroso (IS) on September 9, 10 and 11. The theme of the 2021 Spiritual Retreat was inspired by the Apostolic Exhortation of His Holiness Pope Francis, “Patris Corde”, who, on the occasion of the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the universal Church, declared the year 2021 a special year dedicated to the figure of the adoptive father of Jesus, until 8 December 2021. The day of Friday September 9 ended with a wonderful concert in the Cathedral, coordinated by Master Marciano Oliva, organist and composer, and composed by the masters: Angelo Scungio, clarinet, Nicandro Rodi, trumpet, Angela Cicerone, soprano, Gian Piero Frattaruolo, tenor. The ensemble has performed pieces by J.G. Walther, G. Donizzetti, C. Frank, E. Morricone, G.P. Telemann, J.S. Bach, W.A. Mozart. The concert, which began with the song “Laudate Dominum in Sanctis”, by Master Marciano Oliva, was the prologue of the musical path of the evening as a support to an intense and fruitful journey of reflection and meditation on the theme of our Spiritual Retreat “Patris Corde”. The spiritual exercises ended on Saturday September 11 with the celebration of the Solemn Mass in honor of the Feast of the Name of Mary and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, concelebrated in the suggestive Shrine. All those present went in procession to the Grotto of the Apparitions, after the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, through a difficult and tiring mountain path, pausing in prayer at the Aedicules representing the seven Sorrows of Our Lady in witnessing the sufferings of her beloved Son.

On 14th of September, the Knights and Dames of the delegation of Abruzzo and Molise, together with many faithful that rushed for the occasion, gathered in the small mountain church in Spigno, dedicated to the Holy Cross, to celebrate the important feast of the Holy Cross.