Members of the Delegation of Gozo, attended the feast of Munxar in Gozo dedicated to the Shipwreck of Saint Paul.

The group was led by Delegate Comm. Euchar Mizzi and took part in the Holy Translation, followed by Holy Mass.

We wish to congratulate Dame Dr Maria Montebello, for being bestowed with the Prestigious Community Service Award in Qormi

Dame Montebello was recently presented with the “Għarfien il-Ħila – Servizz lil Komunità” award by the Ħal Qormi Local Council in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the community.

Dr Montebello was the founding Head of St Ignatius College Profs Edward de Bono Ħandaq Middle School in Qormi, having led the establishment of the school 13 years ago following the construction and creation of the current institute. Since then, she has served with unwavering dedication, leading the school through significant developments.

She championed the transition to a co-educational system, ensuring an inclusive and forward-looking learning environment. Every year, she successfully facilitated the smooth transition of over 250 students from feeder primary schools into the middle school. Under her leadership, the school also embraced multiculturalism as a core value, fostering a respectful, welcoming community for students and families of diverse backgrounds.

Dame Dr Montebello consistently promoted a model of school leadership rooted in Catholic values—love, inclusion, respect, solidarity, and compassion for others. Her commitment to educational excellence and community well-being—especially through the promotion of critical and creative thinking and the development of The Thinking School—was at the heart of this recognition.

Photo by Catriel Farrugia Sghendo

Boost post

Our Lieutenant, Amb. Roberto Buontempo, had the honour of being invited to Milan by the Lieutenant of Italia Settentrionale, Angelo Dell’Oro. The solemn ceremony was presided over by H.E. Mons. Maurizio Malvestiti, Bishop of Lodi and Grand Prior.

Of special mention was the investiture of H.E. Mario Enrico Delpini, Archbishop of Milan – a moment of great significance for the Order.

We are grateful for the warm welcome and spiritual fraternity shared on this special occasion.

Our order took part in the pilgrimage and Mass held in Marsaxlokk a picturesque fishing village with a deep-rooted Marian devotion. This annual celebration honours Our Lady of Pompeii, a title of the Blessed Virgin associated with the powerful intercession and the promotion of the Rosary.

The devotion was spread widely through the efforts of Blessed Bartolo Longo.

Members of our Lieutenancy have united in prayer and spirit with Roman Catholics around the world as we welcomed the message of the new Pope; His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. His call to emphasizing peace, unity, and the enduring love of God resonates strongly with our mission as Knights and Dames of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

Our Lieutenant is currently in Milan, gathered with other Lieutenants from around the world during this historic moment. He will be present for the investiture taking place this coming weekend,the first with the new Holy Father installed.

Just last weekend, members of our Order participated in the investiture held in Sardinia, the first to take place during the sede vacante, a time marked by both reverence and anticipation.

We remain united in prayer for Pope Leo XIV and for all new members being invested into the Order during this blessed time.

On the 8th May members and postulants of our Order, participated in the commemoration of the feast of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii.

Mgr. Charles J. Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta and Grand Prior of our Lieutenancy, led us in prayer by reciting the traditional supplica before the image of Our Lady of Pompeii. Rev. Dr. Knight Nicholas Doublet, Rector of the Jesuits Church celebrated mass.

On the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Cross, we were invited to attend a Solemn Mass at the Collegiate Basilica of Birkirkara, dedicated to St Helen. The Mass was led by Provost Archpriest Mgr Kt. Louis Suban, and the homily was delivered by Rev. Can. Ryan L. Pace.

As we gathered in the Basilica, we were reminded of the enduring power of faith and the triumph of the Cross in the Christian journey.

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.”

Photos by: Ian Noel Pace – Archdiocese of Malta