Investiture and Celebratory Dinner 2024
Order of Malta, Singapore Investiture Mass and Celebratory Dinner on 18th May 2024
“Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum” – Defence of the faith and service to the poor. This has been the motto of the Sovereign Order of Malta since its inception and on this day of ceremony rich with tradition and solemnity, three distinguished members-elect would pledge their commitment to these core tenets in chivalrous fidelity and under the Grace of God.
The investiture ceremony began with a solemn mass celebrated by His Excellency Archbishop Marek Zalewski, the Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore and Conventual Chaplain “ad honorem” of the Singapore Association of the Order of Malta. Concelebrants included Msgr. Patrick Saw Zay Han, Rev. Fr. Edward Lim OCD, Rev. Fr. Colin Tan SJ, Rev. Fr. Joseph Dao Nguyen Vu SJ and Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Purnomo OCD. The service was held at St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Road), Singapore and was marked by the gregorian chant “Veni Creator Spiritus” and the Order of Malta anthem “Ave Crux Alba” sung in Latin. The highlight of the ceremony was the formal induction of the three new members to the Order of Malta, Singapore Association, Dame Wendy Tham Siew Foong, Knight Alex Yam Ziming and Knight Marcus Wong Yew Chong, with each also receiving a Papal gift to mark the special occasion.
Following the ceremonial investiture, a well-attended celebratory meal was held at the NUSS Guildhouse, Mandalay. The contributions of several members were also recognized with prestigious awards during the dinner. The Grand Cross “Pro Piis Meritis” of the Order Pro Merito Melitensi was received by Archbishop Marek Zalewski in recognition of his unwavering support and significant contributions to the growth of the Order in Singapore.
The Cross of Officer of the Order Pro Merito Melitensi was awarded posthumously to Mr. Alphonsus Tan Chok Kian, Knight of Magistral Grace and was received on his behalf by his widow Mrs Antoinette Tan. Other recipients included Mr. Joseph Yuvaraj Pillay, Knight of Magistral Grace, Dr. Gabriel Oon Chong Jin, Knight of Magistral Grace, and Dr. Andrew Kwok Wai Mun, Knight of Magistral Grace. These members were honoured for their pioneering efforts in the early days of the Order in Singapore, including spearheading and organizing the first Lourdes Experience.
The Silver Medal of the Order Pro Merito Melitensi was awarded to Ms. Dawn Heng and Dame Elizabeth Soh. The Bronze Medal of the Order Pro Merito Melitensi was awarded to Prof. Gabriel Low Cheng Hock, Knight of Magistral Grace, Dr. Peter Chew Chee Tong, Knight of Magistral Grace, and Mr. George Thia Peng Heok, Knight of Magistral Grace. These recipients were recognized for their dedicated efforts as key members of the organizing committee for the first Lourdes Experience in 2004.
The investiture and celebratory dinner were a testament to the enduring spirit and dedication of the members of the Order of Malta in Singapore. The awards presented during the event highlighted the significant contributions of its members, inspiring continued commitment to the Order’s noble mission of service and charity.
Source and credits: Article by Damien Lee with photographs by the SMOM SG community.
