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The Grand Priory of Belgium's - 3rd Investiture at Averbode Abbey, on December 14, 2002
The Third (3rd) Belgium Investiture ceremony took place in the beautiful Baroque church built in 1664 within the grounds of the historic Averbode Abbey, itself founded by the Premonstrant Order in 1164. In attendance for the Investiture ceremony, were:
Grand Magistrates:
Grand Priors:
Chancellors:
Also present was a delegation of the Knights Temple, from Belgium.
On arrival at the ancient cobbled courtyard of the Abbey all Companions were greeted by four horsemen resplendent in medieval Knightly attire at the ready to escort the procession, also present were three Pipers in full Scottish national dress, Companions stood wearing their beautiful burgundy coloured Mantles.
The postulants were dressed in black tie, and long frocks, with mantles draped over the left forearm, and to the haunting sound of the pipes playing "Amazing Grace," the Order moved gracefully in procession and with dignity into the church, the four horsemen having dismounted from there trusted steeds, stood guard at the four corners of the altar, as protectors of the accolade and insignia. Each horseman also held a flag representing respectively Belgium, Poland, the Ukraine, and the Grand Prior's gonfalon.
The Mass was said by Reverend Father Geert van de Walle Chaplain of Belgium Priory, and after Communion the Investiture ceremony took place with the postulants placing a candle showing our insignia at the altar signifying a new life for the postulants. The Grand Prior then escorted each postulant in turn to the Grand Master, Knights were then dubbed with the Blessing of the Sword on each shoulder, whilst the accolade for the Ladies was a Blessing lightly touched by hand on their head. Each Companion was then formally presented in turn to the Countess Avril, and Princess Tatiana, by the Grand Prior of Belgium.
When the Investiture ceremony was completed, Princess Tatiana Sapieha-Kodenska. was appointed Patroness Protector of the Grand Priory of Belgium, and was also promoted to the rank of Class III Companion (Dame Commander), the Princess was then presented with a red sash bearing the arms of Belgium and written in gold lettering, the words, "Patroness of the Grand Priory of Belgium", the Princess was also presented with a small banner also bearing the Belgium coat of arms, to remind her of Belgium .
On completion of the ceremony, Companions and guests left the church in a dignified procession, and outside the beautiful and ancient church, Companions gathered for an official photograph.
It was then time for all Companions of the Order and guests to proceed to the formal cocktail reception given at the beautiful and picturesque Restaurant Torenhof.
Once inside, Companions could seek out old friends and reminisce on past occasions and meetings, and with a sparkling glass of champagne in hand, many toasts were given, and tale's told.
After the reception all Companions returned to their respective homes and hotels to get prepare for the charity ball which was to be held that evening.
Charity Ball at the Restaurant De Residence, in Kasterlee-Lichtaart.
December 14, 2002
Following the Investiture of the day, the evening Charity Ball took place within the beautiful restaurant De Residence, in Kasterlee-Lichtaart. Guests were welcomed with a red carpet and torches glowing brightly against the night sky to lead everyone safely to the main entrance were young men dressed in medieval knight attire providing a very impressive honour guard, as well the restaurant security guards we also smartly dressed in black and easily recognizable. They were at hand to discreetly help guests out of cars, and give them directions.
Once inside assembled guests were met by well turned out waiters, with trays of champagne and wine for all.
Proceedings for the evening got under way as the Master of Ceremonies announced guests by name and rank the Grand Prior then introduced them to the line of assembled dignitaries - HSH Prince Juliusz the Grand Master, his lovely Lady the Countess Avril, Lady Leonia of Landkey, and the Belgium Princess/Patroness Tatiana Sapieha-Kodenska.
As usual the tables were exquisitely laid out for dinner. The Chevalier Dougan of Landkey Grand Prior of Belgium who was very smartly turned out in the "mess kit" uniform of the Order opened proceeding by welcoming everyone to the evenings ball and making special reference to the postulants, the now new members of the Order. Dinner was as always of the highest calibre and served with the utmost of discretion. Music was provided throughout dinner by a twenty-five (25) piece swing band and entertainment provided between courses by the Wallace Pipe Band and Highland dancers.
The Princess Tatiana was invited by the Grand Prior, to give a speech, this the Princess did very successfully, the Princess also thanked the Grand Prior, and all Companions of the Grand Priory of Belgium for this great honour for inviting her to become their Patroness.
The Grand Prior of Belgium, Chevalier William Dougan of Landkey GCStS, then presented the Princess with an illuminated address in rememberance of this very special moment.
The Chancellor of the Grand Priory of Belgium Chevalier Willy Doms then stood and thanked all present for attending the events of the day and congratulated the postulants now new members of the Order on their elevation to Knights and Dames and wished them good fortune for the future with our many ongoing charities.
After dinner, the dancing was set in motion to the exuberant music of the twenty-five (25) piece swing band. All those present danced into the early hours of the morning.
More Social Outings planned for 2003:
Flandria Homepage
For more information about St. Stanislas Contact: Pan Michael Subritzky-Kusza
Antwerp, Belgium: Flandria Boat Trips
visitor since August 9, 2003