Investiture 2023

During the weekend of September 22-23, 2023, the Federal Association welcomed 34 new members of the Class of 2023.  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:  Charles Cornelio, KM, Treasurer; Patrick Monaghan, KMOb, Hospitaller; and Fra’ Thomas N. Mulligan, President.  Gregory Granitto, KM, Chancellor, presented the In Memoriam and read all the names of the Federal Association that have passed in the past year. 

Following the annual members meeting, Charles Cornelio, KM, introduced Conventional Chaplain ad honorem, Archbishop Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services and President of the USCCB, as the Defense of Faith speaker.  Members and their guests heard Archbishop Broglio outline his thoughts on how the members of the Order can contribute to the Eucharistic Revival.  Notes from his talk are forthcoming.

On Saturday morning at St. Matthew’s, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, Cardinal Archbishop of Washington DC, celebrated the Investiture Mass and ceremony.  In his homily, His Eminence related the charitable activities of the Order to that of St. Joseph – discreet and without much fanfare, but with a specific mission and purpose.  His homily can be found here.

Under the direction of Christopher F. Murphy, KM, the Investiture Master of Ceremonies, and Msgr. James D. Watkins, Conventual Chaplain ad honorem and Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies, the Solemn Liturgy of Investiture was an unforgettable event.  New members of the Third Class made their promises in front of Federal Association members, clergy, distinguished guests, family, and friends.

Later Saturday evening, approximately 350 guests enjoyed the Gala Reception and Annual Dinner at the Library of Congress. 

Members and their guests welcomed the Class of 2023 and recognized accomplishments from the past year, including several awards:

• David L. Archer, KM - Knight Commander pro Merito Melitensi
• Alonzo A. Alvarez, KM - Knight Commander pro Merito Melitensi
• Christopher F. Murphy, DM - Knight Commander pro Merito Melitensi
• Kathleen A. Mezzalingua, DM -Cross with Crown pro Merito Melitensi
• Thaddeus J. Makarewicz, KMOb - Knight Grand Cross in Obedience
• Peter D. Scudner, KM - Knight Grand Cross Magistral Grace
• Robert M. Gallagher, KM - Knight Grand Cross Magistral Grace
• Iren Aloyan - Bronze Medal pro Merito Melitensi
• Lauren Telinde - Bronze Medal pro Merito Melitensi

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; Dr. Hugh Dempsey, GCMOb, for the beautiful gala reception and dinner; Iren Aloyan, Program Coordinator, for the detailed coordination of logistics throughout the past year; Deacon Michael Stankewicz, for his continual partnership and guidance; and Fra’ Thomas N. Mulligan, for his leadership and support.