Merovingian Coronation in Buenos Aires
The rite of coronation is a rare thing to witness. With trend towards republics, it is increasingly rare. The so-called "reigning" monarchs of European democracies today sometimes opt for a ceremony that is more of an "inauguration" then true coronation. A true coronation rite captures the essence of the spiritual nature of kingship and princely leadership. In fact, there are parallels between kingship and the priesthood. Unlike in democ racy in which officials are responsible merely to the people who elected them, an anointed sovereign is responsible to God for his actions and for the care of his people.
Recently a coronation took place in the most traditional sense, bringing to the forefront the true nature of kingship and authentic govern ance in accordance with Christian doctrine. However, the king who was crowned is not rul ing his historic civil state, which is today a republic. Instead, he was formally crowned as head of the dynasty.
The king in question is His Most Eminent Royal Highness Don Rubén Alberto Gavaldà, Count of Gévaudan, Prince of Septimania, and Crown Cardinal of France in the Florentine Roman Sacred College. He was crowned, with the traditional style of His Most Christian Majesty, as the Head of the Merovingian Dynasty and de jure (meaning "by right") Merovingian King of the Franks.
HMERH Don Rubén with the Bishop Bergonzi and the Archbishop of Lyon and some other members of the Merovingian nobility.
The ceremony, under the patronage and au thority of and by traditional permission of His Holiness Papa Rutherford I of Rome-Ruthenia, Gallo-Russo-Byzantine Catholicos, took place on 14 August 2022 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The liturgy was celebrated by His Excellency the Most Reverend Monsignor Luis Bergonzi Moreno, assisted by His Most Excellent Reverence Alejandro Rodrigues, Archbishop of Lyon and Primate of the Gallican Rite of the Catholic Church.
Ordination of the head of the dinasty as a Deacon, which is the ancient tradition for Frankish kings.
The head of the dinasty is enthroned
Members of the Merovingian nobility and guests in attendance at the coronation
The Merovingian Dynasty ruled the Franks from the fifth century until 751 AD. The title of the head of the dynasty was recorded in the Roman Army as the King of the Franks. The territory included most of modern day France (which takes its name from the Germanic Franks) and parts of modern-day Germany, as well as Switzerland and Luxembourg. The Merovingian King Clovis I converted to Christianity. Towards the end of the dynasty's rule, real power was wielded by the Mayor of the Palace, with the kings being in a largely ceremonial role. Charles "the Hammer" Martel was one such Mayor. He continued to rule even in the absence of a king as Duke of the Franks. His son Pepin the Short deposed the last Merovingian king, inaugurating the Carolingian Dynasty (named after Charles Martel). The grandson of Charles the Hammer, Charlemagne, was crowned as Emperor of the Romans by the Pope and is considered the founder of the Holy Roman Empire, which ultimately ruled Germany, France, Spain, much of Italy, and more.
By Jean DuBois for KNIGHTLIFE
Published in the Interest of Companions of the
Noble Company of St. Mary of Walsingham
God save His Most Christian Majesty