Feast of Saint John the Baptist – Promotions and Awards ceremony – 21st June 2026
The celebration of the Feast of Saint John the Baptist followed by the promotions and awards ceremony were of special significance this year as they took place in presence of two of the High Charges ( High Officers ) of the Sovereign Order, HE Fra Emmanuel Rousseau, the Grand Commander and HE Fra’ Francis Vassallo, the Receiver of the Common Treasure.
Attending were also HE The Ambassador of the Order to Malta HE Prince Augusto Ruffo di Calabria and his consort HSH Princess Tana Ruffo di Calabria.
Dr Michael Grech, President of the Association led the members of the Council and a very large gathering of the members of the association, aspirants, and volunteers.
Solemn High Mass was celebrated by Mgr. Joseph Bajada, President Archdeacon of the Metropolitan Chapter assisted by other members of the clergy, amongst them Mgr. Brendan Gatt, Principal Chaplain of the Association.
Lessons were read by Dr Noel Buttigieg Scicluna and Dame Sarah Miller.
At the end of Mass, the Grand Commander read the Prayer of the Order.
After Mass, members and their guests processed to the Oratory of the Co-Cathedral. There the Secretary General, Marchesino Josef Formosa Gauci read the authorization of his Eminent Highness the Prince and Grand Master, Fra’ John Dunlap, and of the Sovereign Council whereby Promotions and Awards were bestowed on several individuals.
Admission into the Order
Donata of Devotion
Mrs Monica Vassallo Cesareo
The President of the Association, Dr Michael Grech, conferred the following Promotions and Awards:
Promotion to Knight Grand Cross of Magistral Grace in Obedience
Dr Alfred Caruana Galizia K.M.
Cross of Commander of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
Dr Michael Frendo K.O.M.
Cross of Officer of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
Mr David Curmi
Mr Stephen Ellul Sullivan K.M.
Mr Frederick Mifsud Bonnici K.M.
Dr John Vassallo
Cross Pro Piis Meritis of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
The Very Reverend Monsignor Joseph Bajada
Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
Mr Francis Dalli
Dr Michael Ellul Sullivan K.M.
Dame Roberta Gabarretta D.M.
Dame Paula Pace D.M.
Dame Clara Testaferrata Moroni Viani D.M.
Medal of Merit for Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Dr Sarah Cassar Torreggiani
Mrs Antoinette Sant Cassia
A reception was held at Casa Lanfreducci during which a portrait of the late the Venerable Bailiff Fra’ John E., Critien, was unveiled by the Grand Commander, Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau. The painting is the work of Gozitan artist, Manuel Farrugia.
NBS
The photos of the event are available at the image gallery below:
The Investiture video kindly produced by Dr Brian Cassar, is also available at :
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