As summer begins to wind down in the coming weeks, our attention turns with great anticipation to the American Association’s 98th Investiture Weekend November 13th – 16th and the meaningful events that surround it.
We look forward to gathering at the Westin Grand Central Hotel for our Annual Business Meeting to share important updates on the Association’s activities. This meeting will highlight the many ways our members faithfully serve the poor and the sick, and how they continue to defend the faith. Later that day, we are especially honored to formally invest 110 new Knights and Dames during the Solemn Mass of Investiture at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. This sacred occasion will be followed by a celebratory gala dinner at Cipriani 42nd Street, a world-class venue celebrated for its architectural grandeur and exceptional cuisine.
Perhaps our most exciting news is that this year’s dinner speaker will be Sister Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E, who currently serves as the President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and President of the Governorate of Vatican City State appointed by the late Pope Francis in March 2025. Sister Petrini, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, has served as Secretary General of the Governorate since 2021. With this appointment, she becomes the first woman to hold the highest leadership position within the Vatican’s administrative structure and oversees the governance of Vatican City, managing its daily operations and policies in accordance with the directives of the Holy See. The Governorate is responsible for various aspects of Vatican City’s administration, including security, infrastructure, and cultural heritage.
The Annual Dinner offers the membership of the American Association a unique opportunity to gather as a family to pray, to celebrate with our new members, to rekindle friendships, and to demonstrate our commitment to the Order. Members should check their email for registration details or log into the members only section of the website.
Each of you is a valued member of this family, and we sincerely hope you will join us!
