Investiture Ceremony
Candidates for admission to the Order participate in a year of formation—during which they learn of the history and spirituality of the Order. They participate in religious exercises, retreats, and days of reflection. They participate in a “hands-on” way in Malta projects that teach them to serve our Lords the sick and the poor. Following the completion of this year of formation, they are first approved by the Admissions Committee and the Board of Directors of the Federal Association. Upon successful completion of the obligations of the year of formation candidates are ultimately approved by the Sovereign Council and Grand Master of the Order in Rome. With final approval, they participate in a Solemn Ceremony of Investiture at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle, Washington, D.C.
Candidates participate in a solemn procession typically with the Cardinal Archbishop of Washington, the Principal Chaplain of the Federal Association. With the Cardinal presiding, the President of the Association, representing the Grand Master of the Order, invests the new candidates.
On the evening of Investiture the Federal Association hosts its Annual Dinner, a formal white tie occasion with over 300 in attendance.
I promise, calling on the name of God, in chivalrous fidelity, always to bear witness to the Catholic Faith, to defend the Church, and to lead my life in accordance with the teachings of Holy Mother Church. I declare myself ready as a member of the Order of Malta to care for our Lords the sick and the poor with all my strength and ability. I also declare myself ready to obey the Constitution, the statues, and the Rule of the Order, and to fulfill with fidelity and diligence whatever the Order and my superiors impose on me. To all this, so help me God, our Lady of Philermos, Saint John the Baptist our glorious patron, Blessed Fra’ Gerard our founder, and all the Saints of our Order. You here present I also call to witness my commitment.