22-23 February 2025, Palermo

Last weekend, our Lieutenant, Amb. Roberto Buontempo, accompanied by his wife, Marie-Josette, traveled to Palermo for the regional meeting of the Italian-language Lieutenancies, which includes Malta and Switzerland. The meeting, presided over by the Cardinal Grand Master and Governor General Visconti di Modrone, was an important moment of collaboration and exchange between the Lieutenancies.

This was followed by the solemn Vigil and Investiture of around 42 new Knights and Dames, held in two magnificent locations—the Cathedral of Palermo and the Duomo of Monreale. The event, hosted by the Lieutenant for Sicily, Maurizio Russo, was a representation to the deep spiritual and historical ties that unite our Order across borders.

Malta and Sicily share a long-standing bond of friendship, and moments like these reinforce our commitment to our mission and to each other.

We extend our congratulations to all the newly invested members and look forward to strengthening our close ties with our Sicilian confreres.

7th February 2025

Members of our Lieutenancy came together for the First Friday Mass, officiated by Mons. Chev. Patrick Incorvaja.

The event, for the first time at the historic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tal-Ħerba in Birkirkara, was organized by the Spirituality, Events, and Music Commissions.

A wonderful gathering of members and postulants, led by our Lieutenant, Amb Roberto Buontempo, joined in prayer, reinforcing our shared faith and commitment to our mission.

Saturday, 1st February

Our Lieutenant Amb. Roberto Buontempo, had the honour of attending the Candlemas Investiture and Awards Ceremony at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. The event was held at the invitation of H.E. Dr. Michael Grech, President of the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta SMOM.

The Feast of Candlemas commemorates the Presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, forty days after the birth of Christ. Historically, during the time of the Order in Malta, parish priests from various villages would present a candle to the Grand Master as a sign of fealty and loyalty.

The Maltese Association marked this significant feast with a solemn Mass and Investiture Ceremony within the majestic setting of St John’s Co-Cathedral, upholding the centuries-old traditions of the Order of Malta.