Feast of Blessed Gerard and Investiture Ceremony
The Feast of Blessed Gerard, Founder of the Order, was fittingly marked by the Association, led by its President Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, at a concelebrated Holy Mass in Latin held at the Church of St. Ursula in Valletta, where the skull of Blessed Gerard is kept and revered.
The Principal Chaplain of the Association, Monsignor Lawrence Gatt, was the main celebrant and was accompanied by the Rev. Monsignor Victor Zammit McKeon, the Rev. Fr. Savio Vella and a Rev Fr. from the French Association. Mrs. Josephine Farrugia Randon read the first reading whilst Hospitaller Dr. Kevin Dingli read the bidding prayers. Mr. Michael Ellul Sullivan was Standard bearer.
The Jerosolimitan Nuns of St. Ursula, who are also members of the Order, were all in attendance within the church, leading the congregation with their beautiful singing to the accompaniment of their organist. During the Holy Mass, in a moving ceremony, Mr. Stephen Ellul Sullivan took his promise of Obedience and therefore was promoted to the rank of Knight of Magistral Grace in Obedience.
This year was also marked by the presence of a number of visitors from France which included amongst them a Fra and 8 members of the Order.
