19th August 2023

Members of our Lieutenancy, led by the Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo, participated during the Solemn Translation with the relic of St. Helen followed by Vespers, as part of the celebration of the Feast of St. Helen. This occasion took place at the Collegiate Basilica of St. Helen in Birkirkara in the presence of H.E. Dr. George Vella, President of the Republic of Malta and his wife Mrs Miriam Vella, H.E. Frank Zammit, Ambassador to the Holy See and Mayor of Birkirkara Ms Joanne Debono Grech.

17th August 2023

A Delegation of Gozo within the Maltese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, was inaugurated in a brief but meaningful ceremony. The Lieutenant for Malta, Roberto Buontempo, presented the decree with which the delegation was established, together with letters of appointment to the first officials, Comm. Euchar Mizzi and Rev Can John Muscat as Delegate and Prior respectively. The decrees were approved by the Order’s Grand Master, Cardinal Fernando Filoni. The Delegation’s standard was then passed on from the Lieutenant to the Delegate, to signify the creation of this Delegation.

The ceremony was presided by Cardinal Mario Grech. In his message, Cardinal Grech emphasized the mission of the members of the Order: that of sustaining the Christian presence in the Holy Land, where members strive to do all they can so that Christians do not disappear from this land, a land fraught with problems, where the only solution for peace can only be through forgiveness.

15th August 2023

The Lieutenant led members of our Order to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the priestly Ordination of Rev Anton Farrugia Pisani, OFM, Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies of our Lieutenancy.

The mass was celebrated at the Collegiate Basilica of Birkirkara with the patronage of the Nuncio Mons Savio Hon Tai Fai.

Ad Multos Annos Fr Anton. May you enjoy many more years of blessings and grace.

29th July 2023

On the occasion of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrated in Balluta, our Order was invited by the Parish Priest Fr Renald Lofreda O.Carm, to take part in the Solemn Translation and Vespers.

Afterwards, members of our Lieutenancy, led by the Lieutenant, Roberto Buontempo, participated during a Solemn Mass presided by His Grace Mgr. George Frendo O.P., Archbishop Emeritus of Tirana Durres in Albania.

This same occasion saw the Lieutenant presenting Chev Antonio Mifsud with a memento from Jerusalém, as a token of appreciation and gratitude for gifting a unique artwork to the Latin Patriarch.

15-22 July 2023

We are humbled and overjoyed to share some photos from the incredible journey we embarked in the Holy Land.

Providence wanted that just a few days before our pilgrimage, we were blessed to witness the nomination of HB the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, as a Cardinal. Just a few days after this momentous announcement , our Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo had the privilege of presenting the Cardinal elect, with his first Cardinal’s zucchetto at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalém.

Special thanks to P. Kt. Comm. Anthony Chircop OFM, Minister Provincial and Commissary of the Holy Land for guiding us through this pilgrimage. His profound knowledge and spiritual insights truly enriched our experience and deepened our connection to the Holy sites we visited.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rev Can Knight Robin Camilleri and his dedicated team for their excellent organization. To all the members and families who participated, we thank you for being a part of this sacred journey.

Most members of the Council were present and held a historic meeting in the city of Jericho.

May the blessings we received during this journey continue to guide us in our daily lives and may we be inspired to spread love and compassion in everything we do.

Photo credits: Ian Noel Pace

04/07/2023

The Lieutenancy of Malta and Heritage Malta signed a 25 year tenancy agreement to lease the Enceinte Hall within Fort St Elmo in Valletta. Our Lieutenant, Roberto Buontempo signed on behalf of the Order, whereas for Heritage Malta appeared CEO Noel Zammit.

These premises will now become the official seat of the Maltese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Our Lieutenancy will be supporting Heritage Malta in promoting the historic Fort through the organization of formal events, meetings, and social activities.

We are extremely grateful about this collaboration and the possibilities it holds for our future.

St. Elmo’s Fort, located in Valletta boasts magnificent views of the Grand Harbour and a rich and captivating history. Constructed in the 16th century, this formidable fortress has stood witness to numerous sieges and battles, it is known for it’s role in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.

Its strategic position guarding the entrance to the Grand Harbour has made it a significant stronghold throughout the centuries. Today, St. Elmo’s Fort stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring legacy of Malta’s past.

28th June 2023

Our Order participated in the Translation and Vespers ceremony on the eve of the feast of St. Peter & St. Paul in Mdina.

We joined the solemn procession from the parish church in Rabat to the Cathedral in Mdina, where the Vespers were presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop, Knight Grand Officer Joseph Galea Curmi.

We are grateful for the kind invitation extended by Monsignor Mario Tong, the Archpriest of Mdina.

25th June 2023

Our Order participated in a Pontifical Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, commemorating the feast of St John the Baptist. The occasion was presided over by our Grand Prior, His Grace Mgr. Charles J. Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta. Their Excellencies our Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo and Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, President of MASMOM, led their members during the celebration. Following the mass, the Lieutenant and Vice Chancellor Chris Busuttil Delbridge, assisted during SMOM’s investiture in the Oratory of the Decollato, at the invitation of MASMOM’s president. This invitation

exemplified the spirit of unity and collaboration between the two esteemed organizations.

Photos: Ian Noel Pace & Archdiocese of Malta.

24th June 2023

Our Lieutenant, Roberto Buontempo, had the honour of being invited to the investiture and awards ceremony of the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalém. The invitation was extended by Dr. Michael Frendo, Chairman of the Venerable Order in Malta.

The ceremony took place at St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral in Valletta.

18th June 2023

Our Order, led by Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo, had the privilege of participating in the Feast of Christ the Redeemer, at the invitation of Rev. Can. Knight Robin Camilleri, Archpriest of Senglea Basilica. The celebration commenced with a Pontifical Mass led by Cardinal Mario Grech Grand followed by a procession with the revered statue of Christ the Redeemer. Hundreds of devotees attended the procession.

In the year 1813, during a time when Malta was battling the Plague outbreak, the inhabitants of Senglea made a solemn promise. They vowed that if their town was spared from the ravages of this deadly epidemic, they would hold a procession with the Statue of Christ the Redeemer annually. Miraculously, their prayers reached the heavens, and their wish was granted. Since then, without fail, this procession has taken place each year as a testament to their gratitude and faith.