France. Lourdes. The International Pilgrimage of the Order's members chaplains, sisters and stretcher-bearers from the Malta national and international bodies, with "our lords the sick" inside the Massabielle Grotto led by H.M.E.H. the Prince and Grand Master, Fra' Andrew Bertie

To all the members of the Order and their families I send my best paternal wishes for Holy Christmas and the coming year which, despite the distressing conflicts in so many countries, I hope will bring serenity and peace at least to you.

The year which is now ending was especially important for our Order. First of all there was the Chapter General in April, with the changes to the Sovereign Council. The Grand Commander, Fra' Giancarlo Pallavicini, retired after nearly twelve years in that position, including three months as Lieutenant of the Grand Magistry. The Venerable Bailiff Fra' Hubert Pallavicini also retired after forty-four years on the ceremonial staff of the Grand Magistry, an often thankless task but one which he always carried out with great commitment and dignity.

Secondly, there are the very encouraging new prospects that the Chapter General has opened up. The reform of the Order's Constitutional Charter and Code, to be decided by an extraordinary Chapter General in 1996, will make it easier to achieve the goal of adapting the Order's structures to the new requirements.

In addition, the sound economic situation of the Grand Magistry is a firm support for future actions and for the real hope that next year it will be possible to inaugurate Fort Sant'Angelo, so dear to the Order's memory.

Another significant event was the achievement, in August, of the status of Permanent Observer to the United Nations. This should be of great help in our hospitaller work world-wide, and it will also enhance our standing with the other international bodies in the United Nations family.

This recognition of our status will I hope, also contribute to our interminable struggle against the groups who illegally appropriate all or part of our name.

I mentioned the distressing conflicts which are shedding blood in so many parts of the world, and I know that our Associations are doing all they can, both with courageous personal initiatives and by sending medicines and emergency supplies to all those who are suffering, often through no fault of their own. My thanks and my best wishes go to all those who are involved in this work of assistance, in the spirit of our Order.

You will be able to read about the many other developments of the Order on diplomatic and international levels in this edition of the Rivista. I am grateful to all of you for your prayers, and the time and devotion given to our work. Again, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year. Rest assured that you are in all my daily prayers.

Fra' Andrew Bertie

back to summary
next article