On 2 December 2025, the Lieutenancy of Malta of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem celebrated an important milestone with the official launch of the Valletta Local Delegation and the induction of a new group of Esquires. The ceremony took place at the Oratory of the Decollato at St John’s Co-Cathedral.
This moment marks the fulfilment of a longstanding vision of the Lieutenant for Malta, Ambassador Roberto Buontempo, to involve young people more closely in the life and mission of the Order. The creation of the Esquires within the Lieutenancy aims to form a new generation that embraces the Order’s values of faith, fraternity, and service.
During the ceremony, four young adults aged between 18 and 25 were inducted as Esquires: Walter Abdilla, Pablo Busuttil Delbridge, Nicholas Kast, and Armando Xerri. Through the symbolic Presentation of the Cloak, they began a journey of spiritual formation and service, preparing them—over time—for possible full admission as Knights or Dames.
The evening also marked the formal establishment of the Valletta Local Delegation. Comm. Michael Pace Ross was appointed as Local Delegate, while Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi will serve as Prior.
A special highlight of this occasion was the unveiling of four newly restored paintings from the Church of Ta’ Doni, a church entrusted to the Order by the Archbishop of Malta. The works were conserved by ASC Conservation Centre Ltd under the direction of Dame Comm. Amy Sciberras, with the restoration generously sponsored by Cav. Giovanni Spadola and Dama Livia Failla.
The Lieutenancy also welcomed Chevalier Rayes Lemmens, who has now taken up residence in Malta, further enriching the local community of the Order.
The ceremony was attended by members of the clergy, dignitaries, members of the Order, and the families and friends of the newly inducted Esquires.
