SMOM induction for Bishop

The induction of Bishop Mario Grech into the Maltese Association of the Sovereign and Military Order of Malta (SMOM) took place at Xewkija's rotunda parish church, on August 29, feast of the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist.

The event started with a procession from the parish centre to the church with the participation of members of the Order, dressed in their church robes, dames and volunteers of the Order, the clergy, chaplains, archpriest, and monsignors.

The church orchestra, under the direction of Mro Colin Attard, greeted the Bishop with the antiphon Ecce Sacerdos Magnus.

The Bishop led a pontifical concelebrated Mass and after the reading of the Gospel, gave a most fluent and didactic homily on the beheading of St John and the service and commitment of Catholics and members of a religious order.

The investiture ceremony began with the recitation of the prayer of the Order by Comm. Dr Jaime H. Cremona, president of the Maltese Association of SMOM.

It was followed by the reading of the Brevet by the Chancellor, Marquis Nicholas de Piro, which was issued by the Grand Chancery of the Order, enrolling Bishop Grech as Conventual chaplain ad honorem.

Mgr John Dimech, Grand Cross, Conventual chaplain ad honorem and the Maltese Association's principal chaplain, blessed the insignia.

The investiture was performed by Dr Cremona, assisted by Marquis de Piro. His Lordship imparted pastoral benediction and another procession took place from the parish church to the parish centre, where the Precursor Band played marches. A reception followed.