Delegation of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta

On Sunday, 4th February, at the church of the “Istituto Divina Provvidenza” in Alessandria, Dame Simona Delfino led the celebration dedicated to the memory of Blessed Marie Christine of Savoy for the Knights of Alessandria. During the Eucharistic celebration, the Vice Prior of the Delegation of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta, Father Augusto Piccoli, outlined the spiritual figure of Blessed Marie Christine as a queen of charity and holiness towards her people, especially towards the poorest and the suffering. At the request of the representative and some knights and ladies, a donation of sanitary items was made for the elderly hosted in this care home.

On Monday 18th December a group of Knights of Alessandria, led by Mrs. Simona Delfino in collaboration with Vice Prior Father Augusto Piccoli, has made a donation of healthcare products in favor of the religious congregation “Gesù Educatore” for african families lacking hospital care in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The initiative was proposed by Friar Priest Mr. Gianpaolo Civillini with the help of Sister Chantal, and supported by Knight Giuseppe Paolo Lazzaro, President of the company “Federfamiglia” of Melzo, by Knight Roberto Epifano, Mrs. Cristina Carta, representative Mrs. Simona Delfino and Mrs. Matilde Zacchia, owner of the homonimous pharmacy of Valenza, who worked to provide those products.

The Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta Christmas event was held in Turin and was celebrated in the Sanctuary of St. Anthony of Padua by Vice Prior of the Delegation, Father Augusto Piccoli. Many civil and militar authorities attended the event.

The celebration continued at Comando Militare Esercito Piemonte for a dinner with the traditional exchange of Christmas gifts.

On Saturday, November 25, at the invitation of the representative of Pavia, Father Maurizio Ceriani, a religious celebration was held at the Chapel of the Seminary of Tortona presided by Monsignor Guido Marini, Bishop of Tortona, recently appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Constantinian Order and Commendator of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. Knights and Dames of the Alexandria representation, led by Dame Simona Delfino, were invited to the solemn ceremony. The Vice Prior of the delegation, Father Augusto Piccoli, was also present.

On sunday, September 24, a group of Knight of Alexandria, led by Dame Simona Delfino, celebrated the Holy Mass on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the Church of the Brotherhood of “San Rocco” in Casalnoceto (AL). The Vice Prior Father Augusto Piccoli presided over the solemn liturgy, assisted by his recently appointed confrere Father Gianpaolo Civillini and with the participation of numerous Knights and Dames of the representation. After the welcome greetings of the Mayor, Prof. Giuseppe Cetta and the Parish Priest Father Fulvio Sironi, were given by the representative the diplomas to the new Knights and promotions to those who, for various reasons, could not attend the investiture ceremony. At the end of the rite, after admiring the beauty of the oratory of 1535, the Knights and Dames gathered for a convivial moment of good wishes and fraternity.

The ceremony of Investiture of the new Knights and Dames of the Piedmont and Aosta Valley Delegation took place at the suggestive Masino Castle in Caravino (TO).
The Sacred Rite was presided over by the Prior of the Delegation H.E. Mgr. Roberto Farinella, Bishop of Biella, supported by the Vice Prior Don Augusto Piccoli and the Knights of the Delegation.
After the blessing of the diplomas, imparted by H.E. Mons. Roberto Farinella, the Delegate Count Marco Aurelio Galateri of Genola officially awarded the new Knights and Dames. Of particular importance were the appointments conferred to Senator Paola Ambroggio and to General Enrico Fontana and Carlo Di Somma.
Immediately after the awarding of the diplomas of appointment, the Vice Delegate Knight Nicolò Papurello presented the Medal of Merit to the people who have distinguished themselves for their support to the Delegation.
The ceremony was attended by numerous civil and military authorities from all over Piedmont, including numerous mayors of local municipalities and representatives of the Parliament.
Afterwards, in the evening, a gala lunch was held at the Museum of the carriages in the castle. It was a moment of aggregation that involved the members of the Order, the authorities and sympathizers. At the beginning of the evening, Senator Paola Ambroggio read the speech of the Undersecretary of State for Defense Isabella Rauti. Knight Roberto Ravello, afterwards, read a message by the President of the Piedmont Region Alberto Cirio addressed to those present.