St John’s, January 2015. The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George has launched the immediate commencement of a multi-million dollar charitable engagement in Antigua and Barbuda in partnership with the Roman Catholic Diocese of St John’s-Basseterre.
The Launch ceremony took place on 28 January 2015 at the former Catholic Cathedral and Church of St Joseph and St Patrick in St John’s in the presence of the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams.
Among those speakers were the Most Rev Kenneth Richards, Bishop of St John’s–Basseterre, the Hon Londel Benjamin Parliamentary Secretary with Responsibility for Ecclesiastical Affairs and Ministerial representative of the Prime Minister Hon Gaston Browne, Magistral Delegate HE Anthony Bailey, HE Ambassador Anthony Liverpool representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Leader of HM Opposition, The Hon Winston Baldwin Spencer and many other guests.
The charitable projects, whose grants have now been transferred and match-funded, are being supported through the efforts of the Order’s Delegation for Great Britain and Ireland in cooperation with the Diocese of St John’s-Basseterre. They include the completion of the Good Samaritan Catholic Church and Community Outreach Centre in Hatton, the redevelopment of St Joseph’s Academy school, the complete renovation of St Joseph’s and St Patrick’s Catholic Church on Independence Avenue and a sizable sponsorship of the Antilles Episcopal Conference Youth Assembly which will take place in Antigua in 2015.
Billboards marking the commencement of the projects were unveiled by the Governor General at the site of St Joseph’s and St Patrick’s Church. Similar events were held at the sites of the other projects.
The commencement of the charitable programme followed the highly successful Official Visit of the Grand Master HRH Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro and the Grand Prior, HE Renato Raffaele Cardinal Martino, and delegation to Antigua and Barbuda from 1-4 November 2014, which included high level meetings with the Governor General, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and national faith leaders.
The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, HE Sir Rodney Williams, GCMG, KGN, GCFO, warmly welcomed the positive and prominent role that the Constantinian Order now has in Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean region and also of the significant contribution made to charitable projects in the areas of education, national patrimony, social welfare and community outreach. “I would like to thank Sir Anthony Bailey for his efforts in championing the engagement of the Constantinian Order in Antigua and Barbuda and bringing to the attention of this international organisation the needs of our islands. These projects contribute significantly to the welfare of our people and mark also the further deepening of the relationship between our country and the Constantinian Order which is determined to be long and prosperous” the Governor General said.
The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, The Hon. Gaston Browne said, “The launching of the multi-million projects funded by the Constantinian Order is a swift response to the charitable needs announced during the Official Visit to St John’s in November 2014. The contribution of the Constantinian Order brings benefits to many, especially to the young people. This noble endeavour led by Sir Anthony Bailey will impact the lives of many of our citizens in a positive way and for a long time. Our Government fully supports these initiatives and looks forward to a long-lasting relationship with this ancient and internationally recognised Christian organisation”.
The Secretary General of the Royal Order of Francis I and Magistral Delegate for Inter-Religious Relations of the Constantinian Order, HE Anthony Bailey said, “I am delighted that the Constantinian Order through the generosity of its members and friends and following the Official Visit of the Grand Master and Grand Prior last November, has commenced these much needed projects and put in place the entire funding. It is our belief that by building schools, training facilities, libraries, places of worship, we provide an opportunity to build development, strong values and a better future for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. The benefits of these projects go well beyond the minority Catholic community to impact the multi-faith Antiguan society as a whole. I look forward to working together with the Diocese, the Antiguan authorities and other local partners to the implementation of the projects within a shortest period of time.”
The Bishop of St John’s-Basseterre, The Most Rev. Kenneth Richards, said, “The redevelopment at St. Joseph’s Academy will contribute to the ongoing formation of excellent young men. The renovation of the St. Joseph’s & St. Patrick’s Church will add to the Catholic Church’s and the Nation’s Patrimony, and the Island’s Tourism Product. The Good Samaritan Catholic Church and Centre wills provide spiritual engagement for individuals, and skill training to empower persons in the socially challenged environs to be economically marketable. And, the Family Life programme for the upcoming Youth Conference augurs well for orienting the youth delegates of the Region for a positive social impact.
“As the Diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre and the Constantinian Order of St George embark on this worthy partnership, may Our good Lord grant us His Gracious assistance so as to ensure benefits that will accrue to His Glory and wellbeing of all stakeholders, benefactors and beneficiaries.”
The institutional charitable and community engagement undertaken and launched in Antigua and Barbuda by the Constantinian Order is part of a wider regional programme for the Caribbean including Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and Grenada.
To view photographs from the launch events, please visit our Photo gallery by clicking here.
