Rome and San Giovanni Rotondo – September 2002. The Constantinian Order headed by TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria and Grand Prior, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, sponsored and led a group of disabled children on a pilgrimage to the tomb of St Pio da Pietrelcina. The Saint, who is more commonly known as Padre Pio, was canonised by Pope John Paul II in June 2002. Many knights and dames of the Constantinian Order participated in this pilgrimage by offering hospitaller assistance to the group of disabled children.
The spiritual and recreational weekend commenced with a prayer session at the Church of Saint George of Velabro in central Rome before departing for San Giovanni Rotondo where many officials attended a prayer vigil.
The following day TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria and His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda visited many of the participants on the pilgrimage and especially the sick and disabled. The well-known Italian actor Remo Girone addressed the group with a speech on the last moments of Padre Pio.
A Solemn Celebration of Mass was held in the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, presided over by the Order’s Grand Prior, Cardinal Pompedda, and in the presence of many state, municipal, Vatican, Constantinian Order and military officials.