Investiture 2025

During the weekend of September 26-28, 2025, the Federal Association welcomed 55 new members of the Class of 2025.  This year’s Investiture activities were held at The Madison Hotel and the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC. 

On Friday, at The Madison Hotel, the Annual Members meeting focused on an update from the Federal Association Officers:  George Gunning, KM, Treasurer; Jane Lanier, DM, Hospitaller; Chuck Cornelio, KMOb, Secretary General; and Ernie Bono, GCMOb, President. 

Following the Annual Members meeting, we had the distinct honor of welcoming His Imperial and Royal Highness, Archduke Eduard of Austria, Prince of Hungary, as our Defense of the Faith speaker.  Members and their guests heard His Imperial and Royal Highness speak about the importance of family in the Church today, the Order of Malta as a path to sanctification in the context of a properly-ordered family life, the role of social media in evangelization, and his experiences as Hungary’s Ambassador to the Holy See.

On Saturday morning at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, His Eminence, Christophe Cardinal Pierre, Papal Nuncio to the United States, celebrated the Investiture Mass and ceremony.  In his homily, Cardinal Pierre reminded all members of the Order that we belong to the church in a new way.  For new members, life has now changed in answering this call from the Holy Spirit.  This vocation as a member of the Order calls us to serve and be attentive to the needs of the sick and the poor.  We are in good company, however, as we build upon nine centuries of the Order’s history in serving the church in this way.  New members of the Third Class then made their commitment to the Order in front of Federal Association members, clergy, distinguished guests, family, and friends.

Under the direction of Christopher F. Murphy, KM, the Investiture Master of Ceremonies, and Msgr. James D. Watkins, Chief Chaplain and Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies, the Solemn Liturgy of Investiture was an unforgettable event. 

Later Saturday evening, approximately 410 guests enjoyed the Gala Reception and Annual Dinner at the National Building Museum. 

Several awards were given to individuals in recognition of their sustained and extraordinary work in the Order and the Federal Association:

• Mr. J. Michael McGarry – Grand Cross of Magistral Grace in Obedience
• Richard Mena – Federal Association President’s Award
• Elizabeth Stoner – Federal Association President’s Award

On Sunday, the Subpriory of Our Lady of Lourdes held a Mass at St. Ann Catholic Church to welcome Dr. Patrick Hutton, who made his promise of obedience in the presence of Fra’ Richard Wolff, Fra’ Tom Mulligan, and H.E. Michael Grace, Coordinator of the Second Class.

The Investiture Committee would like to recognize and thank the dedication and collaboration of so many individuals who helped make this weekend a success. 

A tremendous thank you to all of the volunteers, team members, and staff, including Christopher F. Murphy, KM, for the beautiful Investiture Mass and Ceremony; Thatcher Hallock, KM, Kasia Demaree, DM, Andy Craig, KM, and Colin Tooze, KM for the beautiful gala reception and dinner; Mira Bisesi, Program Coordinator, for the detailed coordination of logistics throughout the past year; Deacon Michael Stankewicz, for his continual partnership and guidance; and Ernie Bono, for his leadership and support.