GENEVA – On 30 September and 1 October the General Chapter of the Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy took place in the Swiss city. This is the most important, long-awaited, annual event for the sisters and brothers belonging to the ancient, yet still new, knighthoods of the Italian Royal Family.
More than three hundred and fifty people met to share ideals, religious and convivial moments and once again live that unique, unforgettable General Chapter experience.
The diploma ceremony took place on 30 September in Geneva’s Hotel Intercontinental. Several honours were assigned for merits of various kinds: 183 new awards and 217 international promotions.
The ceremony ended with a Gala Lunch and a charity Ball, to finance a 50,000 € reconstruction project for the Madonna delle Grazie pastoral centre in Norcia, seriously damaged by last year’s earthquake.
On our blog, you can read, the specific article with all the details of this important, aid project commitment.
The following day, those present met again for the Holy Mass in the Abbey of San Maurizio d’Agauno where His Eminence Reverend Mons. Paolo de Nicoló, Grand Prior of the Dynastic Orders celebrated the Sacred Function. Those present were then able to meet Their Royal Highnesses in the refectory of the Basilica College.
The unforgettable, moving atmosphere during events gave everyone the chance to get to know each other, to live the ideals, ideas, projects and have the honour and privilege to share them with the Grand Master, HRH Prince Vittorio Emanuele, HRH Princess Marina, HRH Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, Chairman of the Grand Magisterium and Chairman of A.I.C.O.D.S., with TRH Princess Maria Pia di Savoia, Prince Serge de Yougoslavie, Princess Helene de Yougoslavie and with His Eminence the Grand Chancellor Johannes Niederhauser.
The meeting also offered a precious opportunity to film some short video-interviews, with several delegates, both Italian and foreign, His Eminence the Grand Chancellor and His Eminence Rev. Mons. Paolo de Nicolò. The videos and photographic materials from the interviews will soon be published in the blog.
Yet again, the Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy confirm and bear witness to what can and must be done through charity works and activities, bringing a precious sign of peace to the world.
This year, more than 800,000 Euro have been devolved in charitable works promoted under the House of Savoy. But the road and targets to be achieved that the Dynastic Orders have set themselves are even more ambitious and require all of you to take part.
Avanti Savoia!
