Bishop Michael F. Burbidge was invested as Conventual Chaplain ad honorem in the Order of Malta during a solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated Aug. 17 at St. Ambrose Church in Annandale.
Concelebrants included Father Alexander Drummond, pastor of St. Michael Church in Annandale; Father Andrew Fisher, pastor of St. Ambrose; and Father Joseph Rampino, in residence at Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria; each of whom serve as magistral chaplains of the order in the Northern Virginia region.
The lay religious order dates back to 1113, according to its website, and is active in 120 countries “caring for people in need through its medical, social, and humanitarian works” particularly in the midst of armed conflicts and natural disasters. In the U.S., the order is organized by regional associations and the southern Federal Association, headquartered in Washington, has been active in the diocese since the 1980s, particularly through the Hospitaller Region – Northern Virginia.
Msgr. James D. Watkins, pastor of St. Ann Church in Washington and a Conventual Chaplain ad honorem in the order, was homilist for the votive Mass in honor of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the order under the title of Our Lady of Philermo. During his homily, he reflected on the meaning of the call to service in the order, particularly as members follow the Marian virtues of humility and service.
Federal Association President Wayne Ruth, KMOb, and Chancellor Gregory Granitto, GCM, presided at the investiture ceremonies. Kevin Fischer, KM, the Northern Virginia Regional Hospitaller participated along with more than 30 veteran Dames, Knights, and Candidates from the region.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Burbidge reflected on his call to the order as a chaplain and expressed gratitude for the order’s spirituality in its two-fold defense of the faith and service to the poor and the sick. A reception followed the Mass.
