2026 Investiture Weekend

During the weekend of September 11-13, 2026, the Federal Association welcomed 73 new members of the Class of 2026. 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 the Honorable Francis Anthony Keating II, KM, as our Defense of the Faith speaker. Members and their guests heard him speak about his time serving as chairman of the lay National Review Board that would oversee the bishops’ response to the abuse scandal in the early 2000s. Throughout the many challenges Mr. Keating faced serving in this capacity, he reminded us to “embrace Christ!” Seeking God’s help is what carried him through.

On Saturday morning at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, His Eminence, Robert Cardinal McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, D.C., celebrated the Investiture Mass and ceremony. In his homily, Cardinal McElroy spoke of sacrifice and how it is the centerpiece of our moral and spiritual lives. New members of the Third Class then made their promises 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 420 guests enjoyed the Gala Reception and Annual Dinner at the National Building Museum. We toasted the Grand Master and welcomed the Class of 2026.

“Without a doubt, my favorite part of the weekend was the Investiture Mass and Gala. The Mass was beautiful and moving, and I felt surrounded by support and filled with joy. The Gala was stunning, and the care put into every little detail made the celebration feel even more meaningful.” – Margaret Vo Brown, DM, Class of 2026

On Sunday, the Subpriory of Our Lady of Lourdes held a Mass at St. Ann Catholic Church to welcome Charles Mifsud, KMOb, who made his permanent promise of obedience, and Mary Petrino, DMOb, and Lisa Charles, DMOb, who both made their initial temporary promise of obedience.

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

Federal Association President’s Award

• Mark Hotze, KMOb
• Cathy Hotze, DM
• Henry Lane Hull, KGDOb
• Rob Rose, KM

Grand Cross of Magistral Grace in Obedience

• Sheila Weiford, DMOb
• Gerald Weedon, KMOb
• Collins Whitfield, KMOb​

Conventual Chaplain Grand Cross ad honorem

• Monsignor John Enzler

Bronze Medal pro Merito Melitensi

• Jimena Olaya

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; Andy Craig, KM, Thatcher Hallock, KM, Kasia Demaree, DM, and Colin Tooze, KM, for the beautiful gala reception and dinner; Britton Brindle, Program Coordinator, for the coordination of logistics; Deacon Michael Stankewicz, for his continual partnership and guidance; and Ernie Bono, GCMOb, for his leadership and support.