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The entire Investiture event was expertly, sensitively and solemnly marshaled by Chev. Manuel Duchesne
Most pictures utilized in this Investiture report have been photographed by Dame Martine Duchesne.
This Royal Confraternity enjoys the enlightened and skilful Grand Priorial leadership of Dr. Ulisses Count Rolim, here pictured in his full regalia while involved in a friendly conversation with the Margravine Gulgowski-Doliwa.
Heide and Paul in front of Chateau de Limont (constructed during the early 19th century), a sophisticated place for rest, drink, exquisite cuisine and special celebrations.
It is always an inspirational experience to witness the Investiture of new sisters and brothers into the highly revered and respected Royal Confraternity of Sao Teotonio (RCST). Everyone in attendance at this elegant and refined Investiture was a highly accomplished person of sterling intelligence and charitable nature. It is truly a pleasure and delight to be associated with such distinguished persons.
The Holy Investiture Mass was celebrated at Eglise Saint-Martin de Limont in Donceel.
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by the distinguished and honorable Monsignor l'Abbé José Vercaemst.
Even before the spiritual activities commenced, the Investiture party was delightfully entertained by a Pipe Major from the northwestern region of Belgium.
The officiating members of Sao Teotonio enter the church of St. Martin. In particular, in many European countries the sword bearer was an honorary office holder at a Royal Court. His real-life function during Medieval times was to serve as the individual responsible for procuring and maintaining the Royal weaponry and the administration of the Royal arsenals. Hence, it was a special honor for Paul that the Grand Prior of RCST selected him for this function.
The Grand Prior of RCST, Chev. Ulisses Count Rolim, has taken up his position in the church of St. Martin. It is obvious that the Grand Prior concentrates on the task at hand and spiritually prepares his mind for the Investiture of newly appointed sisters and brothers into the Royal Confraternity.
Heide and Paul as part of the congregation together with Countess and Count Jonckers de Beaulac, who showed gracious consideration to the guests from America.
Chev. Thomas A. Beuvink presenting RCST diplomas in a noble and elegant manner
Heide and Paul with beautiful, delightful and well-educated young people from Germany in the park surrounding Chateau de Limont
After a short early afternoon interlude, the Investiture party reassembled in the Chateau de Limont's reception hall. This allowed the guests to become better acquainted and reacquainted. Everyone talked to everyone else finding ladies and gentlemen of finely tuned and sophisticated minds. Conversational topics bridged a rainbow of highly interesting subjects including everything in between God and the world. Whenever individuals were of irreconcilable opinions, one smilingly agreed to disagree. All in all, it was a most enjoyable afternoon.
During dinner, the genuinely friendly and congenial atmosphere continued, an easy thing to be accomplished in the ambience of the nobly appointed chateau dining hall.
Sultan Charif de la Grand Comore, Luc Said Mohamed Cheikh, the Head of the Royal House of the Comore Island awards the Grand Prior of RCST a highly coveted award from his nation.
Margrave Gulgowski-Doliwa offers a toast to the King of Belgians, His Royal Majesty King Albert II, which was greatly appreciated by the distinguished audience.
Naturally, Investiture ceremonies lend themselves immensely well to enjoy worthwhile sight-seeing excursions, opening up previously unknown vistas of renown.
Our intercontinental journey from America to Europe is never complete without touching "the green, green grass of home," which, in this case, is Ratingen, Germany, the birthplace of Heide Anna Maria the Margravine Gulgowski-Doliwa.
In the old Capital of the Dukes of Berg, we always can count on a most cordial and hospitable welcome at the residence of the Barons Langen. The Langen Family resembles to a large extent our very own hearts and souls. Hence, whenever we can get together, we do, in the Biblical and social sense, break bread together, as seen in the photographs provided below.
Hobby chef Baron Ewald in action. It is not beyond the competency of this accomplished hobby chef to also expertly set the table for his family and guests.
Margrave Paul only harbors the highest of expectations for the superbly delicious food he will be served.
Young Baroness Kira and her gentleman friend, Sascha, built an "after-dinner anti-mosquito and fly fire" on the grill for their guests' comfort and well-being in their nicely appointed flower garden.
Two powerful women. The Margravine Heide Anna Maria and the senior Baroness Monika. Only God knows what they have "up their sleeves" now.
The Baronesses Langen under the special protection of their faithful four-legged friends, Benny and Lilli, enjoy their daily pleasure walk at the outskirts of town.
During these frequently perilous air-travel times, we had asked for Sao Teotonio's divine protection. The bishop, who had motivated his king to get up from his knees and to conquer his kingdom, saw to our safe arrival in Belgium and an equally safe return to Delafield, Wisconsin. Thanks be to him and our Lord God.
The next Sao Teotonio Investitures are being planned to take place in Munich, Germany, and Gdansk, Poland.
All rights reserved • Copyright © 2006-2011 by Commodore Dr. Paul Margrave Gulgowski-Doliwa, CStS • Music: The Anthem of Belgium
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