Last Thursday, 28th November, the art exhibition ‘Lux et Umbra’was inaugurated by His Excellency Mgr Savio Hon Tai-Fai SDB and our Lieutenant Amb.Roberto Buontempo. The exhibition, curated by Dame Valentina Lupo Communications Director of the Order, is a collaborative project between the Lieutenancy of Malta – OESSH and talented artists Mark Muscat and Francesca Attard.
Set in the Order’s historic Santa Marija Ta’ Doni Church in Rabat, this exhibition offers a captivating interplay of light and shadow within the Church’s highly decorated walls.
On the 22nd of November, our Lieutenant, Amb. Roberto Buontempo, at the invitation of the Lieutenant of Southern Adriatic Italy, Ferdinando Parente, joined the Cardinal Grand Master, who was accompanied by the Governor General and the Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies, in Bari, Apulia.
The purpose of the visit was to welcome 57 new members to the Order and to meet with several Lieutenants. This morning, the Governor General held his annual meeting with the Italian-speaking Lieutenants, while in the afternoon, the Cardinal Grand Master met with the investees and members of the Southern Adriatic Italy Lieutenancy before the Prayer Vigil ceremony.
Our Lieutenant participated in the Investiture ceremony, where the new Knights and Dames made their solemn entrance into the Order.
On the 25th of November, our Lieutenancy was invited by the Augustinian Cloistered Nuns to attend the Solemn Translation of the relic of St. Catherine, followed by Vespers and Solemn Mass, as part of the celebration of the Feast dedicated to Saint Catherine.
This event took place at the Church and Monastery of St. Catherine in Valletta. The feast has become a cherished tradition for our Lieutenancy. We extend our gratitude and prayers to the sisters, especially Mother Abbess, and to the Valletta community as a whole.
On the evening of 15th November 2024, the Maltese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, led by Lieutenant H.E. Ambassador Roberto Buontempo, held its Vigil of Prayer at the majestic St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Mdina.
The solemn ceremony was presided over by Mgr. Joseph Galea-Curmi, Auxiliary Bishop of Malta, who guided the Order in prayer and reflection as part of this sacred tradition.
During this meaningful occasion, ten new Knights and Dames were welcomed into the Order, committing themselves to the noble mission of safeguarding the Holy Land and supporting the Christian communities living there. Additionally, several members were promoted in rank, and special awards were conferred to recognize outstanding contributions to the Order and its mission. Dr. Elena Ruda was also awarded the Cross of Merit for her contributions toward the restoration of artworks in Ta’ Doni Church in Rabat.
This Vigil of Prayer represents the deep faith and dedication that unites all members of the Order in their service to God and their support for the Holy Land.
On the 16th November 2024, the Maltese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem held its Annual Solemn Investiture Ceremony in the breathtaking setting of St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, led by Lieutenant H.E. Ambassador Roberto Buontempo.
This prestigious event marked a significant moment in the Order’s calendar as ten new members were formally admitted as Knights and Dames, and existing members were recognized with promotions in rank.
The ceremony was officiated by His Grace Monsignor Charles Jude Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta and Grand Prior of the Maltese Lieutenancy, who received the Gold Palm of Jerusalem, the Order’s highest honour, in recognition of his outstanding service to the Church and the Order.
Special Honoree
• Dr. Michael Frendo, Chairman of St John’s Malta and head of the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem in Malta, received the Cross of Merit for fostering strong relations with the Equestrian Order.
Dignitaries in Attendance
This year’s ceremony welcomed numerous international dignitaries, including His Excellency Ambassador Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, Governor General of the Order. For the first time, American Lieutenants, Valencia Yvonne Camp (Washington USA) and Colin Saldanha (Toronto Canada), joined representatives from across Europe and beyond, adding an international dimension to the event.
The celebration concluded with a luncheon at the Casino Maltese, during which generous funds were raised to support the Order’s charitable mission in the Holy Land, ensuring continued aid to Christian and Muslim families in need during these challenging times.
As part of the Rabat Sacrum event and in collaboration with the Rabat Local Council, we were pleased to host at our Ta’ Doni Church an art exhibition by artist Ray Piscopo. The event continued with two exceptional concerts, featuring performances by Dame Lydia Buttigieg on the harp, violinist Edwina Cini, and soprano Danielle Ciantar.
Our Order, led by Lieutenant Amb. Roberto Buontempo, organised a Remembrance of Our Dearly Departed at the Monastery of Santa Caterina in Valletta.
Monsignor Knight Patrick Incorvaja celebrated Mass and officiated the prayers in the monastery’s solemn crypt.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Spiritual and Events Commissions, and in particular to Mother Abbess Michelina Mifsud, OSA, for graciously hosting us during this meaningful occasion.
