His Serene Highness Prince Albert II’s Carabinieri gathered at Monaco Cathedral on 20th January to celebrate their patron saint, Saint Sebastian, in a ceremony steeped in tradition and significance…
HSH Prince Albert II, along with members of the government, municipal representatives, and security forces, attended the mass, which has been a hallmark event for over 70 years since its establishment by Prince Rainier III.
The ceremony highlighted the Carabinieri’s commitment to safeguarding the Sovereign and his family, with the mass serving as a unifying moment for the company of over 120 men. Father Jean-Louis Giordan celebrated the mass, emphasizing Saint Sebastian’s historical significance as a patron of military groups and archers. “It is a day to strengthen our ranks around our Sovereign Prince,” he noted, underscoring the collective spirit and loyalty of the Carabinieri.
The Prince’s Carabinieri Orchestra punctuated the solemn occasion with musical interludes, adding a poignant atmosphere to the celebration. Alongside honouring their sacred duties, the day also provided a moment of reflection to remember fallen comrades, while fostering camaraderie among serving members.
This year, the traditional post-mass reception at the Oceanographic Museum was deferred due to the Sovereign hosting a Turkmenistan delegation at the palace. Nonetheless, the ceremony remained a powerful tribute to the enduring heritage and dedication of the Carabinieri.
For the Carabinieri, the presence of the Sovereign added symbolic weight to the occasion. “It’s a day of memory and joy,” one officer remarked, reflecting on the enduring bond between the Prince’s security detail and Monaco’s traditions. The mass once again reaffirmed the integral role the Carabinieri play in upholding the Principality’s safety and its cultural legacy.
Image: Monaco Info