Assisi, September 2015. The Constantinian Order’s international pilgrimage to Assisi took place between 18-20 September 2015 attended by several hundred knights and dames and their families from around the world. The British and Irish delegation was represented by the Delegate Anthony Bailey, HSH Princess Marie-Therese von Hohenberg Mrs Bailey, Prince Don Cristoforo Rocco di Torrepadula, Mr William Jeffcock and Mr Rory More O’Ferrall. Councillor Clare Head also attended.
The Grand Master HRH The Duke of Castro, the Grand Prior, His Eminence Renato Raffaele Cardinal Martino, the Grand Chancellor HRH Princess Beatrice of Bourbon Two Sicilies, the Grand Prefect HE Ambassador Prince Augusto Ruffo do Calabria were also present as well as members of the Royal Deputation including HI & RH Archduke Martin of Austria-Hungary and HRH Prince Francesco of Bourbon Two Sicilies.
On Friday 18 September 2015, an informal dinner hosted by the Grand Prefect Prince Augusto Ruffo do Calabria was held at Hotel Giotto followed by an evening prayer at the historic Basilica di San Francesco.
On Saturday 19 September 2015, a meeting of the Grand Magistry was held at the Sala della Conciliazione Town Hall attended by the principal charges of the Order and many regional, national and international delegates and vice-delegates. Speeches were made by the Grand Master, Grand Chancellor, Grand Prefect and Grand Treasurer during the meeting which focused on the future direction and national and international activities of the Order.
The Grand Master, the Cardinal Grand Prior and all participants of the pilgrimage later visited the Serafico Institute, a care institution for children and young people with disabilities. The Grand Master, on behalf of the Constantinian Order, presented a new rehabilitation wheelchair to the hospital. HE Monsignor Domenico Sorrentino, Bishop of Asissi, and Cardinal Martino offered prayers.
Later, knights and dames took a tour of the Basilica of San Francesco and prayed at the Tomb of St Francis, the Basilica of St Clare, the Roman Temple of Minerva, the Priors Palace and the House of St Francis.
In the evening, a dinner was held at Hotel Giotto, attended by high level civil and clergy representatives of the Umbra region, the province of Perugia and the City of Assisi.
On Sunday 20 September 2015, knights and dames took place in a candle-lit procession through the streets of Assisi to the Basilica Superiore of St Francis for Sunday Mass, which was concelebrated by the Grand Prior, Cardinal Martino.
Click here to read Mr William Jeffcock’s personal report of the pilgrimage.