The United States Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George held a Southern Italian-style cocktail reception on Friday, July 22, at Macaluso’s in Hawthorne, N.J., to benefit the restoration efforts of the Church of Sant’Agata de’ Goti in Rome, Italy. The event featured His Eminence Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, Patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the church’s titular priest.

Attended by more than 200 people, the reception raised approximately $20,000 to help restore the Church of Sant’Agata de’ Goti, which began around 460 A.D., and was consecrated by Pope St. Gregory the Great in 592 A.D. At present, the church needs extensive renovation due to water and termite infiltration.

The reception was preceded by a Pontifical Low Mass celebrated by Cardinal Burke at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in the Ironbound section of Newark, N.J.

“The American Delegation of the Constantinian Order was honored to host an event for the restoration of such an ancient church,” said Cav. Nicholas Fedeli, event chair and the Order’s Regional Vice Delegate for the Midwest. “Guests were delighted to join Cardinal Burke, St. Agatha’s titular priest, and learn more about the repair work necessary, while having a great time in southern Italian style.”

About the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George

The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George is a chivalric Order of Knighthood with origins dating back to Emperor Constantine, who founded the Order following the miraculous appearance of the Cross at Saxa Rubra. For this reason, the Constantinian Order has been considered one of the most ancient among the chivalric Orders of Knighthood. The main purpose of the Order is the propagation of the faith and the glorification of the Holy Cross. The Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organization granted the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George Special Consultative Status in 2011, as a sign of appreciation of numerous charitable and humanitarian activities all over the world. The Order has delegations in each Italian region, the United States and most European countries. For more information, visit www.constantinianorderusa.org.