Order of Malta

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Candlemas and Investiture Ceremony 31/01/2026

January 31 2026

The magnificent painting by Caravaggio of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist at the Oratory of St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta looked down upon the members of the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta as they gathered to prepare themselves to take part in the annual ritual of Candlemas – the feast to commemorate the Presentation of Jesus Christ in his Temple and the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Amongst them were members to be upgraded as Knights of Magistral Grace, a new addition to the class of Magistral Chaplains and the welcoming of new Donati of Devotion.

The President of the Association, Dr Michael Grech and the Council, followed the members as they processed to their seats while candles were lit, a sign that symbolizes Christ as the “Light of the World”. Mgr Brendan Gatt, the Principal Chaplain of the Association then read the Candelmas Prayer.

The Secretary General, Marchesino Josef Formosa Gauci, announced the authorisation given by the Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John, Fra’ John T Dunlap, whereby the admissions and promotions into the Order were to take place. Several persons were also awarded the Medaglia di Benemerenza per I Pellegrinaggi a Lourdes.

The President, Dr Michael Grech proceeded to confer the Medaglia di Benemerenza on the following individuals.

Medal of Merit for Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Ms Graziella Borg
Mrs Anna Brancaleone
Mrs Veronique Chalmin Doré de Nion
Dr Giannella de Marco
Mrs Sharon Galea
Mr Anthony N. Gatt
Mrs Antoinette Sant Cassia
Mrs Sandra Serge
Mrs Maria Soler
The Noble Mr Thomas Trapani Galea Feriol

Holy Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Brendan Gatt, assisted by Mons Paul Vella, Rector of the Co-Cathedral and Rev Dr Jean Gove’

The readings were read by Daniel Benson Camilleri and Nicholas Captur while the Bidding prayers were read by Christpoher Gauci.

Following the reading of the Gospel and a homily by Mgr. Gatt, the Veni Creator Spiritus was sung. This led to the investiture ceremony of the Donati of Devotion. The following new members were admitted into the Order.