Our Order took part in two solemn religious celebrations in Gozo this month.
On Saturday 7th June, members of the Order participated in the Feast of Corpus Christi held in Għasri.
On Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June, the Order was also present for the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Fontana.
The Order was led on both occasions by Chev. Comm. Euchar Mizzi, Delegate for Gozo, and Rev. Can. John Muscat, Gozo Prior.
Photo credits: Monica Farrugia
Our Lieutenant, Amb. Roberto Buontempo, and Treasurer, Dame Glorianne Vassallo Cardona, accompanied by their respective spouses, had the honour of attending last weekend’s Investiture in Solothurn, Switzerland.
The invitation came from Donata Krethlow Benziger, Lieutenant for Switzerland and Liechtenstein and a long-time friend of our Lieutenancy.
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
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.
