Following the recognition of the Grande Oriente of Italy by the United Grand Lodge of England, a group of Devonshire Masons made the long journey recently to the Francesco Guardabassi Lodge No 146 which meets at Perugia, at the invitation of its Master W.Bro. Roberto Pucci, a long-standing friend of W.Bro. Alan Gill, PAGDC, a member of Teign Lodge.
He was accompanied by W.Bro. Keith Williams PAGDC, Torbay Lodge, W. Bro. Charles Wray, Devon Lodge and W. Bro. Paul Adnams, Louis Marchesi Lodge.
The group were warmly welcomed by the Lodge members and the many other visiting brethren representing numerous Lodges of the District of Umbria, and other regions, which also included the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Oregon of the Grand Oriente d`Italia, W.Bro. Marco Falchero, the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Pernambuco of the Grand Oriente d`Italia, W.Bro. Giorgio Cifarelli, the President of Worshipful Masters of Umbria, W.Bro. Andrea Galli and his Vice President W.Bro. Gabriele Cardona.
The visitors were privileged to witness the Initiation ceremony of Bro. Alessandro Ciglioni, which was carried out in a most reflective and interesting way, which left a profound and lasting impression on all members attending. Fortunately, they were provided with a translated copy of the Italian ritual to assist in following the ceremony and an English-speaking member to explain the proceedings.
The Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Pucci, explained to the Lodge members how his association with W.Bro. Gill was established some 15 years ago, both in Italian and impeccable English, explaining why it had not been possible for W.Bro. Gill to be at his initiation, but now that communication had been re-established between the two Grand Lodges he was delighted to welcome his English friend and masonic brethren, and hoped the association will continue, despite this being his last meeting, after 3years as the Worshipful Master of the Lodge.
The Devonshire members were presented, in gratitude and to mark the occasion of their visit, with tokens from the “Collegio dei Venerabili dell`Umbria” (College of Worshipful Masters of Umbria), the District of Umbria and the Francesco Guardabassi Lodge No 146, together with several other generous gifts from the visiting Lodges.
In response W.Bro. Gill presented the Lodge and W.Bro.Pucci with a signed book of the History of the Province of Devonshire and a Crystal Firing Glass.
The members were entertained after the meeting with a superb Italian style festive board, which was another unique experience enjoyed by all, ending very late into the early hours of the next morning, and fortunately only a short walk to their hotel.
W. Bro Alan Gill PAGDC