21.01.2024

News from Gozo

On Sunday 21st January, the Delegation of Gozo held its annual New Year’s greetings.

A thanksgiving Mass was held at the Lourdes Chapel in Ghajnsielem, celebrated by the Judicial Vicar Mgr. Chev. Joseph Zammit, followed by a formal lunch at the Grand Hotel in Mgarr.

Members present, led by the Delegate for Gozo Comm. Euchar Mizzi and the Prior Rev. Can, Comm. John Muscat, exchanged greetings with the Lieutenant and his family.

On concluding the event, Comm Mizzi presented a beautiful silver icon of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu, to Lieutenant Buontempo, in appreciation for his unwavering support and committment towards Gozo.

On his part, Ambassador Buontempo thanked all those present and announced that for the Jubilee Year of 2025, both the Vigil and Solemn Investiture will be held in Gozo.

19.01.2024

A representation of the Council of the Maltese Lieutenancy, held a courtesy visit on the President of Malta Dr George Vella. The two sides discussed the works of the Order, with particular emphasis on the current critical situation in the Holy Land.

The delegation,led by the Lieutenant for Malta, Amb. Roberto Buontempo, presented a generous donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Foundation.

On the 5th of January 2024, EOHSJ members and families, gathered to celebrate the blessings granted by the church on the eve of the Epiphany. This is a rite that has roots in early Christianity.

Through this celebration we are called to initiate the new year under the blessing of a saint, drawn to each one as an act of providence. Each member present could carry the blessings received, that of blessed and exorcised water, salt and chalk, back home so that they could bless their homes too. The markings of + M. C. B. + 2024 + were written on the door of the St. Catherine’s monastery, and each one of us is encouraged to do so as well to remind us that we are blessed through Christ.

We thank the Mother Abbess Michelina Mifsud, OSA, Mons Chev Patrick Incorvaja and the Spirituality Commission, for making this special event possible.

28th December 2023

Members of our Order attended the Vespers and Mass on the end of the Quarantore, the Forty Hours’ Devotion, held at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Valletta.

The vespers were presided by the Prior Rev. Alex Scerri O.Carm, whereas the mass was celebrated by the Mijister Provincial Rev. Joe Saliba O.Carm.

20.12.2023

A representation of the Council of the Lieutenancy of Malta, led by the Lieutenant Amb. Roberto Buontempo, were cordially invited to exchange Christmas Greetings with His Grace Mgr. Charles Scicluna, Grand Prior and Archbishop of Malta at the Archbishop’s Palace in Valletta.

Council members accompanying the Lieutenant, were the newly appointed Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, Comm. Chris Busuttil Delbridge and Comm. Michael Pace Ross respectively, together with the Secretary Dame Amy Sciberras and the Councillor in charge of Dame Affairs, Dame Daphne Fenech.

Credits Ian Noel Pace

27-29.11.2023

2023 CCEE – Consilium Conferentiarum Episcoporum Europae – Plenary Assembly: members of our Order, led by the Lieutenant Amb. Roberto Buontempo, participated, along with members of SMOM, at the inaugural Mass held at the Co-Cathedral of St John’s, Valletta, presided by His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech. Among the co-celebrants were a number of cardinals and bishops, in particular our Grand Prior Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna.

On Wednesday our Lieutenancy had the rare honour of hosting around 40 high ranking Prelates between Cardinals and Bishops, for a short visit at our Ecclesiastical Seat of Ta’ Doni in Rabat, Malta. This was made possible through the intervention of our Lay MC Comm Michael Pace Ross, Vice Chancellor Designate.

Of particular mention was the participation of SMOM Grand Commander Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau.

Photo credits: Ian Noel Pace

19/11/2023

Città Senglea

Città Vittoriosa

To conclude the Investiture celebrations, a thanksgiving Mass, organised by Archpriest Rev Can Robin Camilleri, was held at the Basilica of Maria Bambina in Senglea. It was presided by the Bishop of Ozieri Mons Corrado Melis, in the presence of the host of these events, the Lieutenant for Malta Amb Roberto Buontempo and the Lieutenants of Italia Centrale Anna Maria Munzi Iacoboni, Italia Sardinia Marco Cantori and Italia Sicilia Maurizio Russo, together with members, families and friends.

At the end of the Mass, the dignitaries, together with the delegation of Sardinia and other Maltese members and their families, made history when they crossed from Senglea to Vittoriosa on the famous ‘barklori boats’. 12 boats were used for this special occasion. Those making the trip, could experience the majestic grand harbour of Valletta.

A reception was held afterwards at the recently restored Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa, with the assistance of Heritage Malta.

Photo Credits David Mercieca

Members and Postulants from our Lieutenancy attended a very well organised Lenten Retreat at the Oratory of Christ the Redeemer in Senglea. This was followed by lunch at the Senglea Marina.

The event was organised by the Spirituality Commission, led by Rev Can Dr Kt Nicholas Doublet, who together with the Archpriest of the Senglea Basilica, Rev Kt Robin Camilleri, made it possible to have a truly memorable experience.

The excellent Lenten reflection and Mass that followed were presided by Mons Kt Comm Paul Carmel Vella, Rector of St John’s Co-Cathedral.

Our Order took part in a Solemn Mass presided by Archbishop Emeritus Mons George Frendo, OP and a pilgrimage around the streets of Vittoriosa.