On the 24th November our Lieutenancy was invited by the Augustinian Cloistered Nuns to attend the Solemn Translation with the relic of St Catherine followed by Vespers and Solemn mass, as part of the celebration of the Feast dedicated to Saint Catherine.
This occasion took place at the Church and Monastery of St Catherine, Valletta.
Our Lieutenant, H.E. Roberto Buontempo, Chancellor Ray Cassar and Lay Master of Ceremonies Michael Pace Rosswere invited by H.E. Marco Cantori, Lieutenant Luogotenenza Italia Sardegna for the Vigil and Investiture ceremonies of 26 Knights and Dames held at the Sanctuary Basilica di Bonaria in Cagliari. The Vigil, presided by the Archbishop of Sassari, the youngest Metropolitan Archbishop in the world, was held on the 19th November, followed by the investiture ceremony on the 20th November. The Investiture was presided by the Archbishop of Cagliari. H.E. Saverio Petrillo represented the Gran Magistero OESSH.
This was the first ever participation by a Maltese Delegation to the beautiful island region of Sardegna. These visits will continue to strengthen the already strong ties that exist between the two lieutenancies.
Investiture Gala Dinner held at the Radisson Blu, Saint Julian. Attended by His Eminence Cardinal Grand Master Fernando Filoni, Apostolic Nuncio Mons. Alessandro D’Errico, the Lieutenant for Malta Roberto Buontempo and Governor General Leonardo Visconti di Modrone and the Lieutenants of Central Apennine Italy, Sardinia and Sweden-Denmark, as well as the Ambassador of Italy to Malta Fabrizio Roman. The gala dinner was also attended by H.E. The Noble Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, President of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta.
Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta – 6th November 2021
The investiture ceremony was Celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Grand Master Fernando Filoni, in the presence of the Order’s Grand Prior His Grace Mgr Charles J. Scicluna, Apostolic Nuncio Mons. Alessandro D’Errico, the Lieutenant for Malta Roberto Buontempo and Governor General Leonardo Visconti di Modrone and the Lieutenants of Central Apennine Italy, Sardinia and Sweden-Denmark, as well as the Ambassador of Italy to Malta Fabrizio Roman. The ceremony was also attended by H.E. The Noble Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, President of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta.
The evening saw the investiture of seven Maltese Knights and seven dames including three ecclesiastical Knights. Two special awards were conferred. His Grace Mgr. Knight Grand Officer Paul Cremona, OP, Archbishop Emeritus of Malta was awarded the Gold Palm of Jerusalem while H.E. Mgr. Alessandro D’ Errico was awarded the Cross of Merit with Silver Star.
Nativity of Mary Basilica – Senglea. Friday, 5th November 2021
Cardinal Fernando Filoni Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem , accompanied by the Governor General Visconti di Modrone and welcomed by Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo attended the Vigil of Arms at the Basilica of the Nativity of Mary at Senglea.
The Vigil ceremony was officiated by Mons. Joseph Galea Curmi, Auxiliary Bishop and saw the participation of seventeen postulants, the promotion of one Dame and four Knights and the awarding of other distinctions to three other Knights. At the end of the ceremony Cardinal Filoni uncovered a commemorative plaque of his visit in the Oratory of the Holy Crucifix of the Senglea Basilica.
On this occasion the following promotions were conferred:
On the 4th November 2021, our Grand Prior His Grace Mgr Charles J. Scicluna blessed a marble plaque in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in Malta, 1996-2021.
The event took place in the presence of our Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo and members of the Council.
Photos: Ian Noel Pace
The commemorative plaque.Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo presenting an original signed watercolour print of the exterior of Ta’ Duna Church painted by artist Joe Pace Ross. The original painting will be hung at the EOHSJ, Malta headquarters in Valletta. His Grace with members of the council, H.E. Marco Cantori, Lieutenant of Italy – Sardinia and the Archpriest of the Collegiate Basilica of Rabat, Rev. Joe Mizzi.
Roberto Buontempo, Lieutenant of the Maltese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, accompanied by H.E. Marco Cantori, Lieutenant of Italy – Sardinia, were the honoured guests of The Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (MASMOM) for the historical investiture of Fra. Francis Vassallo held at St.John’s Co-Cathedral held on the 4th November 2021.