A Sicilian archbishop headed to Aberdeen to conduct the first investiture for many years of new postulants for admittance to the Order of the Holy Trinity. His Eminence Lorenzo Casati, Orthodox Archbishop of Palermo, Grand Master of the Order, inducted nine new knights and dames at a colourful ceremony in Trinity Hall, Aberdeen.
The international Order flourishes in several countries from USA to Germany, and Ireland to Italy. The order had become moribund in Scotland until retired police inspector Albert Thomson became involved. Through him, an organisational structure – a “priory” – has been established.
The installation of new members was held during a memorably colourful service led by the archbishop in the great hall of Trinity Hall. Each new member came forward individually, the ladies to receive a blessing and the men to be knighted by Archbishop Lorenzo.
Said Mr Thomson: “The Order is ecumenical and open to all. The newly re-established Priory is already active, and we already have in place a fundraising programme for deserving causes”.
For well-travelled Archbishop Lorenzo, this was only his second visit to Scotland. Fluent in half-a-dozen languages including Spanish, Rumanian and Russian, his interpretive skills now face a real test. At the conclusion of the service, the newly-created Chevalier Albert Thomson presented His Grace with a copy of Gordon Hay’s New Testament in Doric. The archbishop opened his copy in front of the assembly, and to laughter, confessed himself to “facing a real challenge here”.
Music for the occasion came from pianist Mrs Cath Johnston, with a solo during the investiture of Pie Jesu from singer Yvonne Morton.
The nine new knights and dames are Beverley Graham, Mary McPherson, Linda Thomson, Duncan Cameron, William Hackett of Leinster, Mark McCue and
Norman McPherson. Greg Thomson’s insignia was accepted for him in his absence by his elder brother Marc. In the light of the huge work undertaken by Albert Thomson in re-creating the priory in Scotland, he was invested in the rank of knight commander by the archbishop, and additionally, awarded the Cross of Merit of Saint Nicodemus.
Written by Gordon Casely