On the evening of Wednesday, 22 April 2026, Rev. Can. Carmelo (Karm) Busuttil, Archpriest of Birgu, was awarded the Grand Cross Pro Piis Meritis of the Order of Malta during a solemn ceremony held at the Collegiate Church of St. Lawrence in Birgu.

The decoration was bestowed by H.E. Prince Augusto Ruffo di Calabria in the presence of H.E. the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono. The decree conferring the honour was read by Comm. Dr Michael Grech, President of the Maltese Association of the Order.

The Grand Cross Pro Piis Meritis is the highest class of this decoration reserved for members of the clergy who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the Church and to humanitarian service. This rare distinction reflects a lifetime of commitment to pastoral care, community leadership, and charitable works, in line with the mission of the Order.

The ceremony was further enriched by a musical programme performed by the Levita Martiri Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Andrew Lawrence Zarb, contributing to the solemn and celebratory atmosphere of the occasion.