Candlemas – Investiture and Awards Ceremony
The feast of Candlemas commemorates the Presentation of the infant Jesus in His Temple and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, forty days after she gave birth to the Messiah. In the times of the Order in Malta, Parish Priests representing the various villages presented a candle to the Grand Master to express their fealty and loyalty to him.
The Maltese Association celebrated this Feast with a Mass at St John’s Co- Cathedral in Valletta during which a Promotions and Awards ceremony was held led Dr Michael Grech, President of the Association.
Members of the Order walked from the Sacristy to the Oratory where, having lit the candles, joined the Principal Chaplain, the Reverend Monsignor Brendan Gatt, in a brief prayer and from there walked down the main aisle of the church to take their places according to seniority, with members of the Council sitting in the front row. Also present was the Lieutenant of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Secretary General, Marchesino Josef Formosa Gauci, announced the authorisation by His Eminent Highness the Prince and Grand Master and the Sovereign Council by which several Promotions and Awards were bestowed on various persons. Once the Principal Chaplain blessed the Insignia, the presentation of the awards took place.
Medaglia di Benemerenza per i Pellegrinaggi a Lourdes
Mr Ian Attard Portughes
Mr Eric Bertrand
Mrs Sarah Bianchi
Dr Simon Bugeja
Mr Jean Luc Chalmin
Miss Kristina Debono
Mrs Victoria Falzon
Mr Simon Mamo
Mrs Nicola Tabone
Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
Mr Louis Farrugia KM
Mr Alfred Mangion KM
Mrs Angele Mifsud Bonnici
Mr Anthony Darmanin
Mr Charles Portelli
Mr Victor Mifsud
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Silver Medal of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
Dr Andrew Galea Salomone
Miss Diana Testaferrata Moroni Viani
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Holy Mass was then celebrated by Rev Monsignor Brendan Gatt, assisted by the Rev Monsignor Paul Vella, Pro-Rector of St John’s Co-Cathedral and by the Rev Canon Michael Agius. The First Reading was read by Dr Arthur Galea Salomone while the Secord Reading was read by Mr Frederick Mifsud Bonnici, Treasurer. The Bidding Prayers of the Order were read by Dame Karen Miller, Hospitaller.
At the end of the sermon, the Veni Creator Spiritus was sung and was followed by the Promotions.
Promotion to Conventual Chaplain ad honorem
The Rev. Canon Michael Agius
Promotion to Dame of Magistral Grace
Mrs Francesca Grech
At the end of Mass, a reception was held at Casa Lanfreducci, the Head Quarters of the Association to which were invited the Members, the Awardees and their families and friends. Canine SAR members also attended and on their behalf, Mr. Simon Briffa, brought the assembly up to date with their latest activities. He also presented a gift token to the President of the Maltese Association.
NBS
All the photos, and video kindly produced by Dr. Brian Cassar, are available for viewing below:
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