(Rivista Internazionale - December 1994: A new body, but with an ancient heart, sustained by a noble and glorious thousand-year-old tradition - 2/2)

Rome. Magistral Palace. Msgr. Donato de Bonis, Prelate of the Order, during his speech to the Chapter General.

I did not come to bring spirituality, I came to receive it. In this house one breathes only religiosity even in the offices, during the breaks in the cafeteria, in brief encounters in the corridors, because everyone runs, they are all in a hurry. I will continue my contacts with the chaplains who have sent me their splendid reports, just to remind them that they do not have only religious duties, but even more demanding ones to Our Lords the Sick.
The head chaplain of the Lombardy-Veneto Priory sent me a truly edifying report which only the short time at our disposal prevents me from reading. Another very important report which I had the honour of submitting to the attention of His Highness came precisely from England.
So there is a great deal of religiosity and I undertake to confirm to my ecclesiastic superiors in the Holy See that the Order of Malta is a truly laical-religious Order (Constitutional Charter, Article 1, paragraph 1; Code of Canon Law, Canon 588, paragraph 3).
And I can confirm that its «tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum» charismata are daily demonstrated in the Order's initiatives, supported by all its members, in their own ambiences and situations, according to their various obligations: the Professed with solemn vows, the Knights of Obedience with their promises, the commitment of all the other Knights and Dames to an exemplary Christian life and participation in the various activities. Not forgetting the Priests, special witnesses of the Lord, heralding His kingdom and heavenly glory and continuing Christ's prophetic and regal mission and the Chaplains of every degree for the help offered to their confreres and dames to rediscover and experience the Order's charisma every day, reconciling tradition with the needs of our times and situations.
I close by recalling the words of the Holy Father, "the Church, like any institution, is required always to be new and always to be faithful to itself".
A new body therefore, but with an ancient heart, sustained by a noble and glorious thousand-year-old tradition.
Thank you.

Msgr. Donato de Bonis
Prelate of the Order

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