On June 28, in the gardens of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Belgrade, Ambassador Francesco Maria Amoruso hosted a reception to celebrate the National Day of the Order of Malta. The event was preceded by a Mass celebrated by Reverend Andrej Djuricek in honor of Saint John the Baptist, the Order’s patron saint.
The Mass, accompanied by the Cathedral choir, was attended by all the diplomats from the Belgrade Embassy, along with their spouses and guests.
The religious ceremony concluded with the singing of the Salve Regina and the blessing of the Sacred Icon of Our Lady of Fileremo, created by Serbian artist Vladimir Ilic from Vranje. The icon was donated by Mr. Gaetano Paolillo, president of the Vranje Committee of the Dante Alighieri Society.
Despite the short time since the establishment of the new diplomatic structure and the Saint John festivities, the event was successfully organized.
After the National anthems were played, Ambassador Amoruso delivered a speech in which he emphasized the excellent relations between Serbia and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He highlighted recently completed humanitarian projects and those currently in preparation. He also proposed the idea of issuing a commemorative stamp next year, to mark the 140th anniversary of the Order’s first donation to Serbia—a ten-carriage hospital train that transported the wounded during the war between the Kingdom of Serbia and the Principality of Bulgaria.
The evening carried on with the lively tunes of a musical duo, allowing the staff to engage in meaningful conversations with the esteemed guests, further nurturing friendly relations.
The reception was attended by members of the Serbian Government, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Natasa Rasevic and Milos Cavic, who is responsible for relations with neighboring countries. Among the attendees were Apostolic Nuncio Mons. Santo Gangemi, Archbishop of Belgrade Mons. Ladislav Nemet, various ambassadors and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, numerous journalists, and notable figures from the scientific and cultural circles.
Some of the traditional sponsors and benefactors, some of whom arrived from Italy, were warmly welcomed for their support of the Embassy’s humanitarian projects and initiatives.
