Investiture of 12 knights and dames

The Maltese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem held its annual solemn investiture ceremony at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, on October 4.

The ceremony was led by Ambassador Roberto Buontempo, lieutenant of the Maltese islands, and marked one of the most significant occasions in the Order’s annual calendar.

This year’s investiture saw 12 new members formally received into the Order as knights and dames, including two ecclesiastical knights, reaffirming their commitment to the Order’s spiritual mission and charitable work in support of the Holy Land.

The investiture of knights and dames is a solemn and time-honoured ceremony that dates back to the medieval traditions of knighthood in the Holy Land, when Christian pilgrims and defenders of the faith were received into the Order at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The ritual, rich in symbolism and prayer, continues to this day.

The Eucharistic celebration and investiture ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who is also the Grand Prior of the Maltese Lieutenancy. His homily reflected on the spirit of commitment and devotion that unites members of the Order across the world.

The distinguished gathering was honoured by the presence of senior representatives from the Grand Magisterium, namely Jean-Pierre Marie de Glutz-Ruchti, vice governor general for Europe, and Enric Mas, vice governor general for Latin America. Also in attendance were several lieutenants representing European jurisdictions.

During the same occasion, Michael Grech, KM, president of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, was bestowed with the Cross of Merit with Silver Star.

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is a Catholic chivalric order with a rich history dating back to the first crusade. It is represented in Catholic communities around the world and operates under a hierarchical structure organised into lieutenancies across different regions.

Throughout the centuries, the Order’s mission has remained steadfast: to protect the Holy Land, preserve its sacred sites, and support the Christian communities who live there.

Christians in the Holy Land depend not only on the financial contributions of the Order’s members but also on their prayers and dedication to sustaining the living presence of Christ in the region. Each year, the Order welcomes new members who demonstrate an ever-deepening commitment to its mission and philanthropic efforts.

The Order plays a vital role in maintaining hospitals, parishes and schools across Jerusalem, Jordan, Palestine, and parts of Syria. Among the most notable institutions it supports is the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, which provides essential medical care to mothers and newborns regardless of faith or background. The hospital is a lifeline for the local population, offering specialised maternity and neonatal care in an area where access to such services is often limited.

Through the generosity of its members, the Order also ensures that 44 Catholic schools in the region can continue to offer quality education to Christian families. Beyond education, it supports numerous social and pastoral initiatives, medical services and community programmes that enhance the welfare of both Christians and others living in the Holy Land.

In Malta, the Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre actively promotes the Order’s mission through charitable fundraising, pilgrimages to the Holy Land, educational initiatives and spiritual formation activities. Members meet regularly for liturgical celebrations, conferences and community events aimed at deepening faith and fostering solidarity with the Christian presence in the Holy Land.