On the 26th of March our Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo presented his letters of credence to the President of Hungary, becoming Malta’s Ambassador to Hungary. The ceremony took place at Sandor Palace in Budapest. Following the ceremony, Ambassador Buontempo paid homage to the heroes of Hungary by laying a wreath at the revered Heroes Square. During his stay in Budapest, he held a series of high level meetings with various officials, fostering strong ties between our nations.

Incidentally it was also his birthday on the same day ! We wish our Lieutenant continued success!

29th March

Our Order led by our Lieutenant Amb. Roberto Buontempo took part in the Good Friday procession starting from Our Lady of Jesus (Ta’ Giezu) Church. We walked through the streets of Valletta alongside the historical statues depicting episodes from the Passion of Christ.

These processions, among the oldest in Malta, draw hundreds of participants and thousands of observers, marking a significant moment in the religious and traditional fabric of our country.

Wednesday 27th March

In the middle of the Holy Week, members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem’s Lieutenancy of Malta were invited by the Archbpriest of St. Lawrence’s Church in Birgu, Rev. Can. Karm Busuttil, to take part in the traditional ‘Tenebrae’ function. This somber event marks the start of a period of ‘darkness’ during the week starting with ‘spy Wednesday’ when Judas betrayed Jesus. The focus is on the suffering that our Lord Jesus Christ endured as part of His redemptive passion, crucifixion and resurrection.

This commemorative evening included the praying of Vespers, Holy Mass followed by a procession around the old streets of the village which was very well-attended by members of the general public.

15-16 March

Naples, Italy

Our Lieutenant Amb. Roberto Buontempo attended the regional meeting for Italian language Lieutenancies, held in Naples and hosted by the Lieutenant for Italia Meridionale Tirrenica, Prof. Giovanni Battista Rossi. Governor General Visconti Di Modrone conducted the works.

The works were followed by the annual investiture, presided by the Cardinal Grand Master Fernando Filoni, where around 40 new candidates were invested as knights and dames of the Holy Sepulchre. The ceremony was held inside the important Basilica dell’Incoronata Madre del Buon Consiglio

10.03.2024

Mellieha

The Spirituality and Events Commissions within the Lieutenancy of Malta, co-ordinated the now established annual Lenten Retreat and Mass. This year it was held in Mellieha, at the Sanctuary of Our Lady.

A word of appreciation goes to the Archpriest Fr Joe Caruana, for making this possible and also to Fr Aaron Zahra, OP, for an impeccably delivered talk!

During the same retreat, Chev. Anthony Saliba, presented a copy of his MTh thesis to the Lieutenant, Amb. Roberto Buontempo. The thesis, THE OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF THE EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM LAY MEMBERS TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION, is a ‘first’, in the sense that it is probably the first ever thesis dedicated entirely to the Order.

On Saturday 28th October 2023, the Ħal Balzan Local Council, awarded Dame Dr Lydia Buttigieg, with the prestigious award of Ġieħ Ħal Balzan, for her contribution to the locality, both nationally and internationally.

The Mayor, Dr Angelo Micallef, presented the awarding ceremony.

With pride, we congratulate Dr Lydia Buttigieg on her achievement and continue to count on her invaluable help and support towards the Order’s mission.

Congratulations to our esteemed Lieutenant H.E Roberto Buontempo, on being bestowed the distinguished title of Ambassador.

Today, the President of Malta, Dr. George Vella, presented our Lieutenant letters of credence as Ambassador-designate of Malta to Hungary. During the ceremony at the President’s residency; Sant’Anton Palace, discussions centered on fostering bilateral cooperation between Malta and Hungary, encompassing areas such as trade, investment, and English language education. Moreover, the importance of regional collaboration within the European Union was discussed. President Vella also reminisced about President Katalin Novak’s visit to Malta for the Malta Arraiolos Meeting, hosted in October 2022.

Our Lieutenant’s new role as Ambassador signifies a continuation of his exemplary service and leadership! We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes as he embarks on this important diplomatic service.

Photos: Francis Debono

president.gov.mt

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.