Members of the Order from around the world gathered in Rome last week
for the three-yearly General Chapter.
HE Jan Count Dobrzenský z Dobrzenicz giving his "state of the Order" address.
An increase in members and the continuing call for "quality Christians" as the criteria for those joining.
The Chapter General was held in the Auditorium Antonianum.
Following the Vigil Service, held at the
Basilica dei Santi Silvestro e Martino ai Monti
members gathered for cocktails in the gardens of the nearby Palazzo Brancaccio.
Members of the Spanish Grand Priory.
Grand Masters - past and present with members at the Palazzo Brancaccio.
A chance to catch up with old friends.
The Grand Master's Welcome Dinner followed in the Tapestry Hall of the Pallazzo Branccaccio.
Chev. Thierry Pauquet de Villejust, Grand Prior of the USA.
Some members of the Grand Priory of Great Britain.
The following day members gathered at the Papal Basilica of Saint Lawrence outside the Walls for Holy Mass and the Investiture.
Mass was celebrated by His Eminence Dominic Cardinal Duka,
Grand Chaplain of the Order.
Mass was celebrated with some lovely chant - of the Introit, Gloria and Sanctus etc.
With chaplains and members from many different countries, the Church's universal language was a boon for all present.
Following Mass Heads of Jurisdictions prepare for the Investiture.
In all, 49 new members were received
into the Order.
HE Giovanni Ferrara,Grand Prior of Italy, was presented with the highest commendation of the Order - that of of Knight Grand Cross of Merit and the Grand Collar of the order, for outstanding achievements in the field of Christian charity and charity.
The Grand Master welcomes a new bishop into the Order.
Cocktails around the fountain in the Pallazzo Brancaccio.
The "Coffee House" with paintings by the Roman painter Francesco Gai
was the setting for serving cocktails before the dinner.
The Investiture Dinner was held in the splendid setting of the Gala Salon.
