Religious and military Order of the Knights of St-Catherine of Sinai

 

Investiture ceremony

 

During this day, several ceremonies take place. There is firstly the brief Vigil, followed by the investiture ceremony proper, and the day is concluded by a banquet to the discretion of each Priory.

 

The brief Vigil

 

The brief ceremony of the vigil is a reflection of the time the knights of the time took the day before their appointment to retire within themselves to pray and meditate on their future as Knight.

 

We integrate nowadays this time of meditation to the investiture. This is an opportunity for new members to profess their devotion to our patron saint, Catherine of Sinai, to their peers. It is also an opportunity for members in good standing to renew their commitment to St. Catherine and the Order

 

The investiture

 

The investiture ceremony is divided into several parts:

 

1- Entry and speeches

 

The ceremony begins with the entry of the members and dignitaries in the procession. After taking place, the master of ceremonies and the high dignitaries of the Priory that is holding the ceremony have several readings to make before proceeding.

 

2- Admission of new members

 

The investiture of a new member can take place in two distinct ways:

• new invested to the rank of Squire / Donat receive the laying on of hands;

• the new investment to the rank of Knight / Dame of Chivalry are invested with the sword;

 

3- Promotions

 

After, there is the promotions of members of the Order to a higher grade. Promotions are in the following order:

• Officer / Dame Officer;

• Commander / Dame Commander;

• Grand Officer / Dame Grand Officer;

• Grand Cross / Dame Grand Cross;

• Grand Collar / Dame Grand Collar.