(Rivista Internazionale - December 1999: Celebrations for the Order’s Ninth Centenary - 1/3)

Message of the Holy Father

On the occasion of the international gathering of the Knights of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to inaugurate the celebrations of the Order’s ninth centenary, I send my warmest greetings to all present. I express my appreciation of the Order’s work and fidelity, through many profound changes, to the founding evangelical insipiration: "Tuitio fidei, obsequium pauperum". I Join in your thanks giving to God fot the many gifts brought by these centuries of Christian witness and generous solidarity, and I trust that at the threshold of the third millennium
the centenary
celebration will prompt all to remain steadfast in safeguarding these ideals. I implore God’s help, that your noble Order will retain its special supranational, religious and charitable character and so continue to offer its unique service to the Church and the
world.

Entrusting the Order to the intercession and protection of Mary Most Holy, the Virgin of Fileremo, I cordially imart to Your Eminence the Cardinal Patron, to the Prince and Grand Master, to the Members of the Sovereign Council and of the Order, to the President and authorities of the Government of the Republic of Malta, and to all taking part in the solemn the requested Apostolic Blessing.

Ioannes Paulus pp. II

back to previous page
back to summary