The office of the Chancellery of the House of Savoy has announced that they will induct Huntington Beach resident Sir Bruno Serato into the Order of Merit in recognition of his years long global mission of stamping out hunger for underprivileged children. The series of traditional events will be held in Rome, Italy in late September.
The House of Savoy is a royal family that was established in 1003 in a small alpine region located between Italy and France. Through gradual expansion, the family grew in power to eventually rule all of Italy until 1946 when the monarchy was superseded by the Italian Republic after World War II. Although the titles and distinctions of the Italian royal family are not legally recognized by the Italian Republic, the House of Savoy still performs many of the centuries-old traditional duties.
The honor being bestowed upon Serato is tantamount to a Knightship, a form of recognition Serato has already received from the Italian Republic. The ceremony will take place at the Vatican Church of Saint Giovanni in Laterano, Italy.
“I’m delighted to receive this tremendous honor from the House of Savoy,” said Serato, who said that the three-day series of events include an induction at the Royal Palace during which he will be fitted with a customary robe offered only to knights of distinction. “Many Italians still respect and acknowledge the many customs and traditions that hearken back to the 11th century.”
Immediately after the induction, Serato will launch the Italian language version of “The Power of Pasta” in Verona then set upon an extensive book tour of Italy.
For his humanitarian work, Serato has earned international publicity including profiles in People Magazine, “CBS Evening News,” “NBC Nightly News,” CNN and newspapers and magazines the world over. Among his many honors is being named a CNN Hero, receiving a papal blessing from Pope Francis and earning a humanitarian award on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. For more information, visit www.caterinasclub.org