Over the weekend of 2–3 May 2025, members of the Council accompanied our Lieutenant Amb. Roberto Buontempo, to Sardinia for the Investiture Ceremony of the Lieutenancy for Italy – Sardinia.
Twelve new Knights, five Dames, and three ecclesiastics were admitted into the Order. The solemn celebrations were presided over by the Grand Prior of the Lieutenancy and Archbishop of Cagliari, Mons. Giuseppe Baturi.
Our support served to strengthen the bonds of fraternity and shared mission among Lieutenancies from across Europe.
We are proud to share that today, Sunday, our Order has been featured in First magazine, issued with The Malta Independent newspaper.
The article includes a special interview with our Lieutenant, Amb. Roberto Buontempo, who reflects on 25 years of service, faith, and solidarity of the Order in Malta.
It is a true honour to see our mission and journey highlighted, as we continue working to support the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
Members of our Lieutenancy gathered at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta for a solemn Mass offered for the intentions of His Holiness Pope Francis. The Order was led by our Lieutenant, Amb. Roberto Buontempo. The celebration was also attended by the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM).
Earlier that day, Amb. Buontempo visited the Apostolic Nunciature to sign the book of condolences on behalf of our Lieutenancy.
During the Mass, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis, describing him in three powerful expressions: an apostle of God’s mercy; a firm believer that the Good News of Jesus brings liberation, peace and joy; and a shepherd who deeply loved his people.
Recalling the Pope’s visit to Malta three years ago, the Archbishop emphasised the Holy Father’s invitation for the Maltese to embrace their Mediterranean vocation – to be a people of dialogue, encounter, and instruments of peace.
The Archbishop also spoke about the hope that illuminated Pope Francis’ life. Quoting the Pope’s own words from 25 October 2017, he said: “If we believe in Heaven, death no longer frightens us,” because, as Pope Francis affirmed, “Whoever has met Jesus and come to know Him is no longer afraid of anything.”
On Easter Sunday, members of our Order participated in the traditional procession through the streets of Valletta, accompanying the statue of the Risen Lord.
Members were led by our Lay Master of Ceremonies, Clayton Luke Mula. The procession itself was led by the Rector of the Jesuit Church in Valletta, Rev. Nicholas Doublet, one of our esteemed Ecclesiastical Knights.
It was a moment of spiritual significance and solemn joy, as we celebrated the Resurrection of Our Lord together with the faithful.
It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
A shepherd to the world, a tireless advocate for the poor, and a beacon of mercy and compassion, Pope Francis inspired millions with his humility and wisdom.
As Dames and Knights of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, we mourn the loss of our spiritual father and unite in prayer for the repose of his soul. May the Lord grant him eternal rest, and may his legacy of peace, dialogue, and love continue to illuminate the path of the Church.
Our Order, led by our Lieutenant Amb. Roberto Buontempo, took part in this year’s Good Friday procession from Our Lady of Jesus (Ta’ Giezu) Church. We walked solemnly through the streets of Valletta, accompanying the revered statues that portray scenes from the Passion of Christ.
This deeply moving tradition, among the oldest on the island, continues to draw hundreds of participants and thousands of onlookers, highlighting the significance of Holy Week in Malta’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
We had the honour of taking part in the solemn Black Procession at the Parish Church of St Lawrence in Birgu. Led by our Lieutenant Amb. Roberto Buontempo our Order joined the faithful for Vespers, Holy Mass, and the procession with the Insignia Relics of the Passion of Christ. This spiritual and reflective occasion commemorated the Lord’s sacrifice and His triumph over death.
The Purċissjoni s-Sewda, as it is known in Maltese, is a long-standing tradition that dates back to the 19th century. In the past, it featured numerous participants,men and women dressed in black as an expression of penance. Some undertook acts of physical endurance as part of their devotion.
Members of our Order, led by our Lieutenant Amb. Roberto Buontempo, took part in the Palm Sunday Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. The solemn celebration was presided over by our Grand Prior, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna. Members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) were also present for the occasion.
On 4th April, First Friday of the month, the Lieutenancy of Malta gathered at the Archbishop’s Seminary, Tal-Virtu’ Rabat, for the celebration of Holy Mass. The Spirituality Commission of the Lieutenancy organized this event to pray for the success of the Pilgrimage to the Holy Land by the Lieutenants of Italy and Malta, and for the eternal repose of His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona OP, fondly remembered as our Grand Prior Ad Honorem. The congregation was led by the Chancellor, Comm. Christopher Busuttil Delbridge.
After Holy Mass, the programme for the evening proceeded with a brief videoconference with Jerusalem and our Lieutenant, Amb. Roberto Buontempo.
Following, Chev. Dr Emanuel Schembri gave a presentation on Crucifixion, its Artistic Representations and the Spirituality of these art pieces.
Following the conclusion of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, our Lieutenant, Amb. Roberto Buontempo, visited the Gran Magistero – Ordine Equestre del Santo Sepolcro di Gerusalemme where he had the opportunity to discuss the experience with Mons. Paccanelli and to meet the dedicated staff of the Magisterium.
