A solemn investiture ceremony for Dames and Knights Commanders of the Order of St. Gregory the Great was celebrated March 8 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

The Order of St. Gregory was instituted in 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI and honors those who have "promoted the interests of society, the Church and the Holy See." Because Pope Gregory created the Diocese of Both Californias on April 30, 1840, and appointed its first bishop, Francisco Garcia Diego y Moreno, the order holds a particular significance for Californians.

In Los Angeles, the first Knight Commander of St. Gregory the Great was Joseph Scott, who received the honor from Bishop John Cantwell on Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 1921. Counting the newest group, there have been a total of 261 members of the order in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles since that time.

Honorees received their crosses from Cardinal Roger Mahony, who said, "Accept this cross and the call to apostolic service which it signifies." To which recipients replied, "Amen."

In his homily, the cardinal noted that the order was created "with the missionary zeal" of Gregory XVI. In the archdiocese, members of the order have a particular call to support and promote the mission of the Cardinal Manning House of Prayer for Priests, "to help the House of Prayer be a great source of renewal of our priests," Cardinal Mahony said. "It is bringing priests back to our roots --- giving us time for prayer and reflection and to immerse in the service of all."

The honorees:
Dame Commanders: Marla Alders, Virginia Chambers, Julia Condon, Sally Conn, Janet Feely, Anita Finie, Margaret Graf, Joan Lamberti, Rita Liebelt, Kathleen Lund, Margaret Romano and Mary Margaret Thompson.

Knight Commanders: Mario Antonioni, Hon. Richard Byrne, Alex Chaves, Thomas Condon, Warren Guinane, Patrick Hickey, Richard Hotaling, Roger Hughes, John McGuire, John O'Keefe, James Sarni, Randolph Steiner, Tod Tamberg and Paul Watson.

Knight Commander Grand Cross with Star: William Close.