The Conferment Ceremony was held in the Aula Magna of the nine thousand student University, and was presided over by the Rector, Prof. Roland Zisi. The Academic Senate, Professors and students were also present.

Prof. Zisi, Chairman of the Academic Senate, opened the Ceremony and read out the following citation in support of Prof. Baldacchino’s Doctorate:

“In recognition of his altruistic and unreserved assistance and support in the internationalisation of the University of Vlore “Ismail Qemali”, Albania with the aim of promoting and adhering this University to serious and qualitative European university networks and beyond; his great contribution to building a long-term academic partnership between our two institutions in exchange of contemporary experiences to modernise teaching, raise the level of scientific research, educate students with the best European civic values, and his vision in building cultural, academic and human bridges between the scientific community of the University of Vlora and “Sancti Cyrilli” University, Valletta, Malta.””

Prof. Zisi then spoke of Prof. Baldacchino’s career as a former Member of Parliament in the seventies and as a Diplomat in the eighties; as a Council
Member of the University of Malta and as Governor of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, and of his fundamental role in setting up the
first residential University College in Italy 35 years ago, in association with American State Universities, providing 3-year (BA) and 5-year (MA) degree programs.

Prof. Baldacchino was then robed in his academic gown and cap.

In his reply Prof. Baldacchino thanked the Rector and Academic Senate for this most prestigious award. He reviewed the ongoing collaboration between the two Universities and encouraged students to develop their intellectual and didactic capabilities, to reap future benefits of a vast and participative university culture.

Prof. Baldacchino also paid tribute to the outstanding contribution of the late Prof. Edward de Bono, a world renowned Maltese academic who developed
the concept of Lateral Thinking. He published over 60 books and his legacy lives on thanks to the “Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking and
Innovation”, set up nearly 30 years ago at the University of Malta.

Prof. Baldacchino’s latest award follows a series of recognitions of his career as a globetrotting innovator and promoter of cultural exchange programs.

• 1986 – Awarded Diploma from the Mayor and Council of the City of Toronto, Canada: “In appreciation for services to Canada and Malta”;;
• 1988 – Granted “Freedom of the City” and presented with the symbolic Key by the Mayor and Council of Scarborough, Canada;
• 1992 – Nominated “Man of the Year” and awarded the Gold Medal and title of Grand Marshall by the Academic Senate of Long Island University of New York “For promoting American culture abroad”;
• 2000 – Awarded the “Gold Medal First Class” by the International Red Cross Society in Rome, Italy: “For sponsoring and financing humanitarian activities”;
• 2002 – Elected “Academician and Full Professor” of the International Informatization Academy of Moscow, Russia, in General Consultative Status of the United Nations;
• 2013 – Signed an Agreement with UNISDR – United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, whereby the Universitas Sancti Cyrilli was appointed Official Global Partner in the UN Campaign to render cities more resilient to World Disasters, through increased political awareness and the adoption of the “Hyogo Framework for Action” for sustainable urbanisation and climate change.

These last five years Prof. Baldacchino has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the exchange of Academic Research with the following
Universities:

• State University of Calabria – Italia (2017)
• Logos University College of Tirana – Albania (2018)
• University College “Pavaresia Vlore” – Albania (2018)
• State University “Ismail Qemali”, Vlora – Albania (2018)
• State University of Bari – Italia (2019)
• University of Applied Sciences Ferizaj – Kosovo (2019)
• Canadian Institute of Technology, Tirana – Albania (2019)

We announce with great sorrow the death of H.E. Marquis Paul Tonna, KGC - Grand Hospitaller Emeritus of the Order and a great philanthropist of our humanitarian projects for many years.

On behalf of all Members of the Order and particularly of the Grand Priory of Malta, we offer our sincere condolences to his family.

Funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Collegiate Church – Rabat this coming Saturday, 25th November, at 2pm.

Members are strongly recommended to pay their last respects to our late Confrere, and to be seated in church by not later than 1:45pm, where seats have been reserved for us in the front section. You are kindly requested to confirm your participation to this Chancery, for seating arrangements.

Dress code: dark suit, black tie and OBSS lapel (Rosette)

Fraternally yours,

Baron Anthony Coleiro, KGC
Grand Chancellor – OBSS

Chev. Duncan Brincat, KGO
National Chancellor
Grand Priory of Malta

Family members and friends will also be welcome.

You will be able to use this occasion to visit Malta in the beginning of its best season, springtime, when its warmth will greet you through the discovery of the temples, churches and all the other prestigious places which contribute to the uniqueness of this Land. Furthermore, you will be able to do all this at very accessible prices, thanks to the favorable conventions.

If you wish to received an Invitation and Programme, you are kindly asked to write an e-mail to info@obss.org and we will attend to your request as soon as possible.

Hoping to meet you all, I send my warmest regards.

Grand Officer Vito Calianno
Public Relations Officer OBSS

Chev Tony Coleiro
MBA FIH FISMM FTE FInstTT OLJ KC
Knight Commander & National Hospitaller
Grand Priory of Malta
Ordo Byzantinus Sancti Sepulchri
Sovereign, Dynastic, Military Order of Chivalry

The Official Invitation and Program will be published shortly.

Petitions for a Knighthood may be presented up to 15 November 2012, by completing the Application Form (click on “Application Form” tab) and returning it, together with a C.V. and a scanned color photo, to the International Chancery (info@obss.org).

Congratulating also the Vicar Grand Master, H.R.H. Prince Dr. Frederick Baldacchino di Silnici on his 43rd. birthday. AD MULTAS ANNOS

The Grand Priory of Malta organised a Solemn International Investiture Ceremony of new Knights and Dames in Malta on Saturday 10th December 2011, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary (05-12-1986 ♦ 5-12-2011) of the appointment of His Imperial and Royal Highness Grand Duke Alfred Josef Baldacchino, Head of the Name and Arms of the Rjurik Dynasty, Prince of Gagry and Marquis of Casal Grimaldo as Hereditary Sovereign Prince Grand Master of OBSS.
The Ceremony was presided by the Prince Grand Master from the Magistral Seat in Malta, assisted by their Excellencies the Religious Authorities and Dignitaries of the Order.
This Ceremony was marked with three days of events and activities for all the international Postulants and Guests. They arrived in Malta on the 8th of December and were hosted to dinner by the Grand Prior of Malta.

Friday 9th December

Blessing of Plaque
At 6pm the Grand Priory of Malta organised the blessing of an OBSS Plaque at Hotel Phoenicia to mark the inauguration of the Knights’ Hall, the new seat of the Grand Priory. The Plaque was blessed by Rev. Joseph Bonnici O.P., after an address by the Prince Grand Master. All present were invited to visit the Knights’ Hall.

Academic Convocation
At 7.30pm the UNIVERSITAS SANCTI CYRILLI – A.D.1669, the cultural arm of OBSS, held an Academic Convocation in the Green Lounge of the Hotel Phoenicia. The Ceremony was presided by Grand Duke Prof. Alfred Josef Baldacchino, Rector Magnificus of the UNIVERSITAS, and was addressed by Prof. Gerardo Iovane, an academic of international repute. Prof. Iovane concentrated on environmental and energy problems and spoke of his ongoing scientific experiments and research. His lecture was very warmly welcomed and appreciated by all present.

After the lecture the UNIVERSITAS conferred an Academic Title on Prof. Gerardo Iovane.

The Ceremony was followed by Dinner at the Phoenix Restaurant in the same hotel.

Saturday 10th December

International Investiture Ceremony
At 2.30pm the Grand Ceremonist, H.E. Count Mario Stefanelli KGC, met with all the Postulants at the Knights’ Hall.
At 3pm Knights, Dames, Postulants and Guests proceeded to the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady (ta’ Ġieżu) in Rabat, where the Investiture Ceremony was celebrated.
The Programme of the Solemn Investiture Ceremony was as follows:

1. Magistral Procession
2. Religious Rite conducted by the Prelate Rev. Charles Fenech
   Oath of Loyalty
   Blessing of Decorations
   Imposition of Hand
   Presentation of Candle, Cordon, Sword and Spurs
3. Equestrian Rite conducted by H.I. & R.H. the Prince Grand Master in English, Italian and Maltese.
   Investiture with Sword
   Presentation of Insigne and Mantle
   Installation of new Knights / Dames

The Prince Grand Master addressed the Congregation at the end of the Ceremony.

The following Postulants were invested Knights and Dames during this Investiture Ceremony:

From the Grand Priory of Malta

• Chev. Joseph Cutajar
• Chev. Michael Angelo Doublet
• Chev. Simon Fsadni
• Chev. Julian Zarb
• Dame Grace Coleiro
• Dame Elizabeth Farrugia
• Dame Ruth Vella

From the Grand Priory of Italy

• Chev. Fabio Bellino
• Chev. Pietro Corrao
• Chev. Giovanni Giorgi
• Chev. Antonio Principito
• Chev. Simone Vanni
• Dame Mara Corfini
• Dame Vita Maria Disantarosa

From the Grand Priory of Belgium

• Chev. Yves Godin

After the Investiture Ceremony, all participants visited the historic living quarters of Grand Master L’Isle Adam (1521- 1534) at the Franciscan Friars’ Convent, and were later offered traditional Maltese coffee and cakes at the Baroque Palazzo Xara in Rabat.

At 8.30pm all participants gathered for a Gala Dinner at Bacchus Restaurant in Mdina. During the evening the Prince Grand Master addressed the gathering. He began by recalling the very valid contribution of departed Knights, particularly Marquis Gr.Cr. Remigio Farrugia, former Lieutenant Grand Master, Marquis Gr.Cr. Lucio Barone, former Grand Ceremonist, Duke Gr.Cr. Antonio Muolo, former Grand Prior of the Mediterranean and Baron Gr.Cr. Frank Fenech. All those present gave a spontaneous standing ovation to the memory of those departed Knights and observed a one minute silence.

On a personal note the Prince Grand Master recalled the loving support of His children and grandchildren who were all present for the occasion and who were welcomed enthusiastically by all the participants. Their support had been a source of encouragement throughout His Grand Magisterium.

The Prince Grand Master then expressed His deepest appreciation for the steadfast support He had received from His Magistral and Executive Councils all these years, particularly from the:

Lieutenant Grand Master H.E. Gr. Cr. Marquis Francesco Guardavaccaro

Grand Chancellor H.E. Gr. Cr. Marquis Mark J. Panzvecchia

Defensor Fidei H.E. Marquis Gr. Cr. Rugiano D’Antilio

Grand Herald H.E. Marquis Gr. Cr. Francesco Frezzato – Author of 2 books on the history of the Order and the Rjurik Dynasty

Grand Ceremonist H.E. Count Gr. Cr. Mario Stefanelli

Grand Dame Emerita H.E. Marchioness Gr. Cr. Maria Teresa Fedele

Grand Prior Emeritus – Grand Priory of Italy H.E. Marquis Gr. Cr. Michele D’Alessandro

Grand Prior of Malta H.E. Marquis Gr. Cr. Anthony Ventura

Grand Prior of Italy H.E. Marquis Gr. Cr. Onofrio Lattarulo

The Prince Grand Master announced that H.E. Marquis Gr. Cr. Onofrio Lattarulo was relinquishing his post at the end of the year to take up his new High Office of Lieutenant responsible for Scientific and Cultural Activities. The other two Lieutenants who will also be taking up their High Office as from 2nd January 2012 are H.E. Marquis Gr. Cr. Rugiano D’Antilio, responsible for Humanitarian and Philanthropic Activities, and H.E. Marquis  Gr. Cr. Berto Monno, responsible for International and Diplomatic Relations.

The Prince Grand Master then dwelt briefly on the highlights of His 25 years as Grand Master of the Order and stressed that everything that had been achieved was the result of teamwork, loyalty, fraternity and dedication to the Order’s aims. He was presented with a commemorative plaque by H.E. Marquis Gr. Cr. Anthony Ventura on behalf of the Grand Priory of Malta, to mark the 25th Anniversary of His Grand Magisterium.

Departure of International Knights and Dames

Knights, Dames and Guests departed on Sunday 11th December 2011, following three days of highly successful celebrations.

Instructions for Reservations for Members who wish to participate in the forthcoming International Investiture Ceremony to be held in Malta in December 2011 to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Nomination as hereditary Prince Grand Master of His Imperial and Royal Highness Grand Duke Alfred Josef.

Members are kindly requested to make the necessary Hotel Reservations, as well as Bookings for the Gala Dinner, using the Booking Form found on this page. Please download and print the form, then fill it in as required and send it via Fax or E-mail directly to the Hotel Phoenicia as indicated on the Booking Form.

As advised in the Invitation and Programme that has already been sent to you, the Academic Convocation of the Universitas Sancti Cyrilli AD 1669 will be held on 9th December, and the Investiture Ceremony for new Members of the Order will be held on the 10th December 2011.

In view of the importance of this forthcoming event, the Grand Priory of Malta awaits an enthusiastic participation on the part of its Members, offering the possibility of an International Meeting of Knights and Dames from several Grand Priories all over the world.

This event will also offer our Members the opportunity to visit the Island of Malta, with organised tours to various locations, as outlined in the Programme.

In view of the above you are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Please click HERE to download and print the Booking Form.

If you require any futher information or clarifications, please send an E-mail to the National Hospitaller on: hospitaller.mt@obss.org

Programme

- 8^th and 9^th December: Arrival of Knights and Dames, Postulants and Guests

Travelling Logistics:

Transfers: Available upon request from Airport to Hotel – all hours

Accommodation: Historic Art Deco 5 star luxury hotel in Floriana

- 9^th December: Buffet Breakfast at Phoenicia Hotel

• 09.30 hrs: Knights, Dames, Postulants & Guests will be invited to visit Valletta – Capital City of Malta
• 12.30 hrs: Return to Hotel Phoenicia – Lunch Optional
• 14.00 hrs – 18.00 hrs: Free Time
• 19.00 hrs: Universitas Sancti Cyrilli AD1669 – Academic Convocation

-10^th December: Buffet Breakfast at Phoenicia Hotel

• 09.30 hrs: Knights, Dames, Postulants & Guests will be invited to visit The Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua

Solemn International Investiture Ceremony

• 16.00hrs: Gathering of Knights, Dames and Candidates at Hotel Phoenicia – Lounge Area
• 16.30hrs: Departure by Coach for the Church
• 17.15hrs: Magistral Procession
• 17.30hrs: Solemn International Investiture Ceremony - Welcome Address by the Grand Prior of Malta
  • Religious Rite :
    • Oath of Loyalty
    • Blessing of Decorations
    • Imposition of Hand
    • Presentation of Candle, Cordon, Sword and Spurs
  • Equestrian Rite :
    • Investiture with Sword
    • Presentation of Insigne and Mantle
    • Installation of new Knights / Dames
• 18.40hrs: Renewal of Oath of Loyalty
• 18.45hrs: Prince Grand Master addresses Congregation
• 19.15hrs: Refreshments at the Dominican Priory, Rabat
• 19.45hrs: Departure by Coach from Dominican Priory to Mdina
• 20.30hrs: Gala Dinner at the Bacchus Restaurant – Mdina
• 23.30hrs: Departure by Coach from Restaurant to Hotel

11^th December: Departure from Malta of Knights, Dames & Guests

Travelling Logistics

Transfers: Available upon request from Hotel to Airport – all hours