V.   Sacraments

Investiture is the ninth of the fourteen (14) Cardinal Sacraments also known as the Ways of Heaven. The Sacrament of Investiture is a way of sacred action unlocked through the presence of the seven (7) Keys of Heaven within the Sacrament itself. The Sacrament of Investiture is especially present in the most sacred Apostolic Life Sacrament of Natal. The Sacrament of Investiture may also be granted and conferred on its own in accordance with these Canons and associated approved liturgy.

The purpose of the sacrament of Investiture is the formal bestowal or presentation of a possessory or prescriptive right of Office to an incumbent including taking possession of the insignia of Office. The meaning of Investiture is derived from the late Latin word investire meaning “to clothe in, cover, surround”, itself from two earlier Latin words in meaning “in, into” and vestire meaning “to dress, clothe, garments”.

The sacrament of Investiture comprises the completion of three separate and deliberate Acts in order: Act One being the Act of Petition, Act Two being the Act of Selection and Act Three being the Act of Election:

(i) The Act of Petition as Act One is the application to be selected and elected to Office; and

(ii) The Act of Selection as Act Two is the selection of candidates to office; and

(iii) The Act of Election as Act Three is the election and investiture ceremonies of those selected to office .