Bisignano, 6th March 2016. After the town of Paola it was the turn of the centuries-old town of Bisignano, homeland of the “ humble friar”, to host the third meeting of the “Month of Mercy”, a solidarity project for the benefit of the needy people of the Region. The distribution of essential items, donated by Esselunga S.p.A., took place at the charming thirteenth-century Convent-Sanctuary of Sant’Umile da Bisignano (second Saint of Calabria after Saint Francis of Paola). Upon arrival the Delegation was warmly welcomed by Msgr. Luigi Falcone, Ecclesiastical Knight of Grace, Official of the Vatican Secretariat of State and also a man of great faith and vast culture. Msgr. Falcone is known for his studies and numerous publications on the history of the Mezzogiorno between the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, and also on the history of his Bisignano where he manages the Museum of Sacred Art and presides over “Il Palio” Study Centre. In the same Sanctuary, following the distribution of the goods, the solemn co-celebration of Holy Mass took place, officiated by Father Antonio Martella, Guardian of the Convent-Sanctuary, together with Msgr. Luigi Falcone and Don Espedito De Bonis, parish priest of San Giacomo Apostolo in San Giacomo d’Acri. Father Martella, during his homily, warmly greeted and thanked the Order representatives. He then went on to say a few words about Sant’Umile, drawing a parallel between the Constantinian Order’s mission and the Saint’s teachings which are those of humility and solidarity in respect of the least of God’s people who he has chosen to bewilder the “wise” and the “powerful” of this world. Charity made him popular with everyone: friars, people and the poor who he used to help by handing out to them what Providence would give him. The Delegate, Nobile Dottore Gianpietro Sanseverino of the Barons of Marcellinara, for his part, thanked all those present and in particular the Order of Friars Minor for their hospitality and Nobile Dottore Giuseppe Spizzirri Marzo, recently appointed Representative of Cosenza, for the impeccable organization of the event.
