Investiture of Five New Members into the Order of Malta Singapore Association
A Call To Live More Fully in Christ
The Singapore Association of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta welcomed five new members during a solemn but joyful and meaningful Investiture Mass held at St Joseph’s Church, Victoria Street, Singapore on 30 August. The liturgy was celebrated by Monsignor Marinko Antolović with assistance by eight priests.
The candidates were received into the Order whose continuing mission of service to the poor and the sick continues to resonate in today’s world.
In his profound and insightful homily, Monsignor Marinko spoke directly to the candidates, reminding them that their investiture was not merely ceremonial but profoundly vocational: “The Investiture ceremony, dignified and rich with tradition, can easily be misunderstood as a moment of honour or exclusivity. But in the eyes of God, it is something else entirely: it is a commissioning—or even better, a co-missioning. It is a moment where identity and purpose meet.”
He stressed that the commitment they had undertaken was not an accession to privilege, but an invitation into deeper discipleship: “The true Knight or Dame is not self-glorified, but self-giving; not exalted, but poured out; not merely joining an Order, but being invested in the Kingdom of God.”
Indeed, a deeper discipleship is a commitment that all members of the Order of Malta embrace and promise to live out in their vocation.
With reference to the Gospel parable of the talents, Monsignor Marinko reminded the new members that their robes and insignia were not symbols of status, but calls to action. “Today, dear candidates, you receive not silver or gold, but a far more precious entrustment: the cross of Christ, worn over your hearts and shoulders. It is a reminder that your investiture is, in fact, an investment—not in status or recognition, but in the Kingdom of God.”
The Monsignor also reflected on the meaning of the traditional black mantle marked with the white eight-pointed cross. “The black symbolizes a dying to self, a letting go of ego, prestige, or self-interest. The white cross shines out as a reminder of resurrection, light, purity, hope and direction. You are being robed in death and life at once: called to die to the world and yourself, and to live more fully in Christ.”
The profound reflection on the meaning of the black mantle marked with the white eight-pointed cross dispelled the misconception of the vain pompousness of the robe and uncovered its true symbolism – members are robed in death and life all at once: called to die to the world and themselves, and live more fully in Christ.
The Mass that was dignified yet deeply personal, was followed by a celebratory high tea at the Orchard Hotel, which many present described as feeling more like a family reunion than a formal reception. Members, supporters, and friends of the Order shared warm fellowship, echoing Monsignor Marinko’s words that the charism of the Order lies not in “empty honors, but in a fellowship of love in action, of quiet strength, and of dignified service.”
For the five newly invested members, the day marked not an ending but a beginning. As Monsignor concluded, “Your investiture is not an end but a beginning. It is an invitation to a deeper life in Christ and a life of visible charity. Wear the cross with dignity, but above all, live what it signifies.”
Source and credits: Article and photographs by Damien Lee
