The Maltese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem held its annual Solemn Investiture Ceremony on Saturday, 16th November 2024. The event, led by Lieutenant Ambassador Roberto Buontempo, took place within the magnificent setting of St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

The investiture ceremony is a key event in the Order's calendar, where new candidates are formally admitted as Knights and Dames, and existing members receive promotions in rank. The ceremony was preceded by a solemn Vigil Service of prayer held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul in Mdina presided by Monsignor Joseph Galea-Curmi, Auxiliary Bishop of Malta during which candidates reflected on their commitment to live a virtuous Christian life in accordance with the Commandments of God and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Scicluna was awarded the Gold Palm of Jerusalem, the Order's highest honor, in recognition of his exceptional service to the Church and the Order.

Valencia Camp with Roberto Buontempo, the Lieutenants of Washington, USA, and Malta, respectively.

His Grace, Monsignor Charles Jude Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta and the Order's Grand Prior of the Maltese Lieutenancy, officiated the investiture ceremony following his appointment by His Eminence the Cardinal Grand Master, Fernando Filoni.

This year's ceremony celebrated the admission of ten new members, including Dr. Chris Barbara, Clinical Chairperson of the Pathology Department at Mater Dei Hospital. Among the notable milestones, the Order invested its youngest Dame worldwide, Dr. Gloria Montebello, a 24-year-old medical doctor.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Archbishop Scicluna was awarded the Gold Palm of Jerusalem, the Order's highest honour, in recognition of his exceptional service to the Church and the Order, after being nominated by the Order's Lieutenant, Ambassador Buontempo. Additionally, Speaker Emeritus Dr. Michael Frendo, Chairman of St John's Malta and head of the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem in Malta, received the Cross of Merit for fostering strong relations with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchure. Dr. Elena Ruda was awarded the Cross of Merit for assisting the Order in funding the restoration of works of art inside the Order's church, Ta' Doni, in Rabat.

Ambassador Buontempo, Governor General Visconti di Modrone, and Speaker Emeritus Dr. Michael Frendo, Chairman of St. John's Malta and head of the Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem in Malta, received the Cross of Merit.

Dr Gloria Montebello was invested as a Dame by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna.

Dr Chris Barbara, in the foreground, was invested as a Knight.

The Governor of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, General Visconti di Modrone, with the Mayor of Mdina, Peter Sant Manduca.

International Dignitaries in Attendance

The event was graced by the presence of numerous foreign dignitaries, including His Excellency Ambassador Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, Governor General of the Order and former Head of Protocol for the Italian Republic. Representatives and Lieutenants from across Europe, America, and Canada also attended, marking the first time North American dignitaries participated in a Maltese investiture, namely Valencia Yvonne Camp and Colin Saldanha, Lieutenants of USA Middle Atlantic and Toronto Canada, respectively.

Following the ceremony, a celebratory luncheon was held at the Casino Maltese in Valletta, during which a substantial collection of funds was raised to support the Order's charitable initiatives in the Holy Land.

The Lieutenancy of Malta takes immense pride in this annual event, which marks the Order's enduring dedication to its mission. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is committed to strengthening the Christian faith among its members, preserving the Church's rights in the Holy Land, and providing vital support to Christian communities in the region.

Membership in the Order is not merely a mark of prestige but a lifelong commitment to uphold Christian values and contribute to peace and charity. Candidates undergo a rigorous selection and formation process, culminating in their formal admission during the investiture.

Through ceremonies like this, the Order continues to emphasize its spiritual and charitable mission, fostering hope and solidarity among Christians in the Holy Land while promoting interfaith dialogue and peace.

Despite being one of the smallest Lieutenancies in the Order, Malta has attracted significant interest in recent years, with many distinguished dignitaries making it a point to attend the investiture. This growing attention highlights the Maltese Lieutenancy's vital role internationally and its continued commitment to faith, charity, and heritage.

This year's new Knights and Dames: Gloria Montebello, Maria Montebello,  Lucienne Pace Ross, Jake Adam Azzopardi, Christopher Barbara, George J Cassar, Noel Gauci, Stefano Mallia, David Mercieca. Ecclesiastical Knight: Rev. Can. Joseph Cardona

Photography Rene Rossignaud