Order of Malta

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Investiture & Decoration Ceremony in the Oratory of St John’s Co-Cathedral

February 2 2013

Eve of the Feast of Candelmas

The Oratory of St John’s co-Cathedral in Valletta was literally full up. Extra chairs were needed to seat the entire congregation, which convened to hear Holy Mass and follow the Promotion and Awards Ceremony.

The main celebrant was Maltese Association Principal Chaplain, Mgr Lawrence Gatt, assisted by Mgr Paul Vella and Mgr George Mifsud Montanaro, Fr Savio Vella, Fr David Gauci, Canon Karm Busuttil and Fr Mark André Camilleri. The Latin liturgy blended beautifully with the choir singing led by Mro Dione Buhagiar. It added a finishing touch to the gracious setting of this unique chapel, which houses the largest and only signed Caravaggio in the world.

As usual, Mgr Gatt delivered a thought provoking and soul seeking sermon which was followed very attentively.

The ceremony was most ably conducted by the Chancellor of the Maltese Association, Marchesino Comm. Daniel de Petri Testaferrata with the support of the Association’s Master of Ceremonies, Major Raymond Miller.

H. E. Fra John Edward Critien, Venerando Bali` di Gran Croce di Giustizia Professo di Voti Solenni, read the Prayer of the Order at the end of the ceremony.

After the ceremony, members of the Order and guests walked to Casa Lanfreducci to finish the day with some good food and drinks. It was indeed a most wonderful occasion.