Feast of Saint John the Baptist – Promotions and Awards Ceremony
The Feast of Saint John the Baptist, celebrated on the 24th June of each year, is always an important day for all the Members of the Order of Malta, wherever they might be. By tradition, it is always the day when investitures, promotions and awards are bestowed on Members in recognition of their activities within the Order.
The statue of Saint John the Baptist standing with a raised hand baptizing Jesus Christ made in 1703 of one block of Carrara by Giuzeppe Mazzuoli, at Saint John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, former Conventual Church of the Order of Malta, loomed large over the cortege of Members of the Order of the Maltese Association as they processed from the Oratory to the main altar preceding the Very Reverend Monsignor Paul C. Vella, and other members of the clergy, as he carried the relic of Saint John the Baptist.
The Secretary General, Marchesino Josef Formosa Gauci, read the authorisation by His Eminent Highness the Prince and Grand Master and the Sovereign Council, whereby Promotions and Awards were bestowed on several individuals.
The President of the Maltese Association, Dr Michael Grech, conferred the following the Awards and Medals pro Merito Melitensi on:
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Grand Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi,
conferred Motu Proprio by H.M.E.H. The Prince and Grand Master
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The Noble Daniel de Petri Testaferrata K.M.
Marchesino of San Vincenzo Ferreri
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Cross of Commander of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
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Mr Joseph D’Amato K.M.
Mr Benoit Musy K.M.
Cross of Officer of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
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Professor Joseph L. Pace K.M.
Mr Paul Testaferrata Moroni Viani K.M.
Cross with Shield of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
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Mrs Brigida Arrigo
The Most Noble Dowager Countess Amalia (Amy) Bugeja Fontani D.M.
Mrs Juanita Demajo
Mrs Elizabeth Grech
Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
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Mr Godwin Dalli
Mr Richard Firth
Ms Veronica Portelli
Mr Joseph Zammit Tabona M.O.M., K.M.
Silver Medal of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
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Ms Charlene Delia
Mr Gian Luca Fenech
Reverend Monsignor Paul C Vella, Rector of Saint John’s, and a Conventual Chaplain, proceeded to celebrate a solemn High Mass with other members of the clergy, some of whom were Conventual Chaplains themselves. Joseph Zammit Tabona, read the First Reading followed by Professor Joseph Pace for the Second Reading. Bidding prayers were read by Arthur Galea Salamone. The Principal Chaplain of the Association, the Reverend Monsignor Brendan Gatt, delivered a brief homily highlighting the relevance of the life of Saint John the Baptist in the world of today and its importance for the spiritual guidance of the Members of the Order.
The Master of Ceremonies, Christopher Cassar Torregiani, then conducted Mr. Chris Galea to the Presbytery whereby the President, Dr Michael Grech, conferred on him the Grand Cross of Magistral Grace in Obedience. The Secretary General led the Reverend Monsignor Paul C Vella to the President who conferred on him the insignia as Conventual Chaplain Grand Cross ad honorem.
Promotion to Knight Grand Cross of Magistral Grace in Obedience
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Mr Chris F. Galea K.M.
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Promotion to Conventual Chaplain Grand Cross ad honorem
The Very Rev. Mgr Paul Carmel Vella
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At the end of Mass, the President read the Prayer of the Order.
The resident Choir of St John’s, the Jubilate Deo, led by Maestro di Cappella Christopher Muscat, enhanced this special event with they participation.
A reception to celebrate the Feast of Saint John the Baptist and the awardees, hosted by MASMOM council, was held at the Embassy of the Order of Malta.
More photos are at the gallery below:
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NBS
