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Published: 13 November 2024

In a visit steeped in tradition and history, we were warmly received at the Venerable English College in Rome, a historic seminary with deep ties to the English Catholic Church. Invited by the College's leadership, our delegation enjoyed an enlightening and inspiring day that blended historical exploration, spiritual reflection, and meaningful fellowship.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a briefing on the College’s illustrious history. Founded in 1579, the Venerable English College has long served as a spiritual and educational home for English and Welsh seminarians studying in Rome.

The tour that followed highlighted the College’s architectural beauty and historical treasures, including a stunning ceiling painting of St. George. The artwork, rich in symbolism, struck a chord with the delegation, reflecting the saint’s enduring legacy as a figure of courage and faith.

A highlight of the visit was the Mass ceremony in the College Church, where Father Eugene Harkness Harkness joined ten senior clergy members in a moving celebration. For Father Eugene Harkness Harkness, the experience was particularly meaningful, as he had served at the College for a decade earlier in his ministry. The sermon, delivered by Father Konrad Grech, SJ, focused on the interplay between mind and heart, emphasizing the importance of empathy in a world often divided by misunderstanding and indifference. His words resonated deeply with those in attendance, providing a moment of shared spiritual reflection.

Following the service, the delegation joined the clergy and College representatives for drinks and networking. The gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen connections, exchange ideas, and reflect on the enduring relevance of the College’s mission in promoting education, faith, and understanding.
The Grand Master of the Order, Cllr Robert Dryden, expressed his gratitude for the invitation and the warm hospitality of the College. “Today’s visit to the Venerable English College has been an extraordinary reminder of the shared heritage and values that unite us. The Mass and sermon offered a moment of profound reflection, while the hospitality of the College reinforced the importance of community in our shared mission”.

Father Eugene Harkness Harkness shared his personal reflections on returning to the College. “Being here again, surrounded by its history and spirit, feels like a homecoming. This place has shaped countless lives, including my own, and continues to inspire faith and service”.

The Order’s visit to the Venerable English College marked another meaningful chapter in their journey through Rome, blending reverence for history with a renewed commitment to their mission of fostering unity, compassion, and faith. The day’s experiences further reinforced the Order’s dedication to promoting understanding and collaboration, both within their ranks and in their broader engagements with communities of faith.

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Published: 13 November 2024

In a deeply moving gesture of remembrance and solidarity, we visited the historic Roman Ghetto in the Rione Sant’Angelo district of Rome. Accompanied by Father Eugene Harkness Harkness, Knight of the Order and Abdul-Kayum Arain, a close friend of the Order, the delegation paid our respects to the Jewish victims of centuries-old persecution and the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

The Roman Ghetto, established in 1555, confined the Jewish community to a small area near the River Tiber and the Theatre of Marcellus, where they lived in appalling conditions under restrictive laws. During World War II, under Mussolini’s regime, the Jewish residents faced even greater horrors as Nazi forces arrested, deported, and executed many of them in concentration camps.

As the delegation walked through the neighbourhood, they stopped at the poignant commemoration blocks embedded in the streets outside the former homes of Jewish families. These "Stolpersteine" (stumbling stones) bear the names of victims, the dates they were arrested, deported, and murdered, serving as haunting reminders of the past. Standing before these memorials, the members of the Order offered prayers for peace and pledged to ensure such tragedies are neither forgotten nor repeated.

Grand Prior Richard Brown emphasized the importance of the visit, stating, “We stand here today not just to remember, but to commit ourselves to vigilance. We must never allow such hatred and inhumanity to occur again in our name or on our watch. This tragedy is a shared pain, and we honour the memory of those who suffered with unwavering resolve.”

Father Eugene Harkness Harkness offered prayers for healing and unity, while Abdul-Kayum Arain, representing interfaith friendship, underscored the collective responsibility to combat hatred. “Their suffering is also our suffering,” he said. “Together, we must ensure that such horrors never happen again.”

The Order shared this message of solidarity and remembrance with the Jewish community in Cambridge upon their return. The visit to the Roman Ghetto served as a solemn reminder of humanity's capacity for both cruelty and compassion, inspiring the Order to continue their mission of fostering peace and understanding across all faiths and communities.

The delegation also visited nearby synagogues and engaged with members of the local Jewish community. In heartfelt exchanges, they expressed their shared grief and solidarity. The Jewish community welcomed the Order’s support, affirming the necessity of unity in confronting prejudice and injustice. Drawing inspiration from the words of Pope St. John Paul II, the Order extended a symbolic embrace, saying, “When you see people of other faiths, give them a hug from me.”

Through this visit, the Order of St. George reaffirmed their commitment to preserving historical memory, promoting unity, and standing against injustice, ensuring that the lessons of the past guide a more compassionate future.

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Published: 13 November 2024

In a significant moment during our international engagements, we were warmly received by Senatrice Gisella Naturale at the Italian Senate in Rome. Senatrice Naturale, who had established a cordial relationship with the Grand Master and members of the Order during their previous visit to Italy in August 2024, extended her hospitality to the delegation, creating another milestone in their diplomatic and cultural outreach.

The visit commenced with a private tour of the Italian Senate, the Palazzo Madama, an institution equivalent to the British Parliament.

Palazzo Madama’s history spans centuries, weaving together stories of power, art, and governance:

• Medici Influence: Originally built for two Medici cardinals, Giuliano and Giulio (later Popes Leo X and Clement VII), the palace became a Medici stronghold in Rome. It served as the library of Cardinal Giovanni de’ Medici before his rise to the papacy.
• Margaret of Austria's Residence: The building derives its name from Margaret of Austria, daughter of Emperor Charles V, who made it her residence in the 16th century.
• Architectural Evolution: Renovations in the 17th century by architect Paolo Marucelli introduced the Baroque façade and ornate interiors. Subsequent updates under Benedict XIV and later in 1871 adapted the palace for its role as the seat of the Italian Senate.

The delegation was given the rare opportunity to sit in The Aula, the chamber where Italian parliamentarians debate and vote on critical issues of national governance. Senatrice Naturale provided insightful commentary on the role of the Senate in shaping Italy’s policies and laws.

The tour also highlighted the architectural splendor and historical significance of the Senate building. Members of the Order marveled at the intricate artwork and artifacts adorning the halls, as well as the profound history of Italian unification and the governance that has evolved since. The delegation was struck by the Senate’s blend of historical reverence and modern legislative function.

During their visit, the Order conveyed an invitation from Cambridge dignitaries, including the city’s Mayor, Cllr Baiju Thittala, and MP Daniel Zeichner, for Senatrice Naturale to visit Cambridge on a mutual exchange trip. The proposed itinerary would include a tour of the Houses of Parliament in London and opportunities for cultural and diplomatic exchanges aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.

Reflecting on the experience, the Grand Master of the Order, Cllr Robert Dryden, expressed his gratitude to Senatrice Naturale for her generosity and engagement. “The warmth and openness of Senatrice Naturale have further deepened our bond with Italy. This visit underscores the shared values of governance, history, and cultural appreciation that unite our countries”.

Senatrice Naturale also emphasized her enthusiasm for fostering closer ties with Cambridge, expressing interest in the mutual exchange trip. “It is an honour to host such a distinguished delegation, and I look forward to further strengthening our friendship with the city of Cambridge and its leaders”, she remarked.

This visit to the Italian Senate not only reinforced the Order’s mission to build bridges across nations but also celebrated the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and Italy. With the possibility of further exchanges on the horizon, the Order of St. George continues to champion cultural diplomacy and the preservation of shared heritage, fostering goodwill and collaboration between communities.