13/06/2023

We were honoured to be invited by the Franciscan Order to celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony, Patron Saint of the Custodia of the Holy Land at Ta’ Ġieżu Church, Valletta. Led by Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo, our members joined the celebrations.

The function was presided over by the Minister Provincial, Anthony Chircop, OFM. Bread was blessed during the Mass and distributed among all those present.

Following the Mass, we presented the oil lamp to the Minister Provincial. Our Lieutenancy will be funding the oil and flowers for the altar dedicated to St. Anthony of Padova for another 12 months. This commitment reflects our dedication to upholding the traditions and spirituality associated with this revered Saint.

Members of our Council led by the Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo, were invited for the Solemn Translation with the relic of Saint Helen followed by Vespers at the Collegiate Basilica of Birkirkara as part of the celebration of the Feast dedicated to Saint Helen.

photos by Ronald Falzon and Ivan Saliba.

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On Sunday 27 June, the Lieutenant together with the Chancellor Ray Cassar, received Bishop Athanasie together with members of the Romanian Community in Malta, at the Lieutenancy’s Church of Santa Maria Ta’ Doni in Rabat, Malta where the Order’s mission and work were discussed.

At the end of the meeting the Lieutenant presented Bishop Athanasie with Grand Master Cardinal Filoni’s book on the spirituality of the knights and dames of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. A number of copies were presented to the Parish Priest of the Romanian Orthodox Community in Malta, Fr George Alexandru Popescu, for use by members of the Community.

Lent is a time of renewal, Metanoia (change of heart), a time of reflection by the religious practices of Prayer, Fasting and Works of Charity.
Ever heard of Metanoia? No? We invite you to read this beautiful Lenten Reflection

On Wednesday 10th March 2021 our Lieutenancy was invited to a special mass celebrated on occasion of the Lenten period in the presence of the miraculous effigy of Christ the Redeemer. Mass was celebrated by the Archpriest of Senglea’s Basilica and postulant Can Rev. Robin Camilleri in the presence of the Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo, council and other members and postulants of the Lieutenancy. We have joined in prayer to the Lord through the intercession of Our Lady for help to face the current COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences.Mass was splendidly animated by renowned harpist and postulants Lydia Buttigieg and leading Soprano Rosabelle Bianchi.

This was the last Mass service allowed to the congregation before more restrictions were unveiled. All safety precautions and guidelines were followed.

The 3rd of January 2021 marked the first centenary since the Senglea parish church was elevated to a Basilica and also the coronation of the titular statue known as Maria Bambina, during the same year of 1921. A Pontifical Mass was celebrated by the Grand Prior H.G. Mons Charles Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta in the presence of the President of the Republic, H.E. Dr George Vella. The council of the Maltese Lieutenancy was invited to take part in appreciation for the help extended to a number of families from Senglea during the pandemic lock down last year, thus marking this occasion as the Lieutenancy’s first activity for 2021.

At the end of the Pontifical, Roberto Buontempo, the Lieutenant, donated to the Collegiate Chapter an album with original photos dating from 1921, passed on to him by his grandfather the late artist painter Prof Giuseppe Briffa, who was the artist that painted the Dome of the same Basilica (destroyed during a 1941 blitz). Furthermore, during his speech, the Lieutenant informed the congregation that the next Vigil of Investiture earmarked to take place in November 2021, will be held for the first time at the Senglea Basilica.