Foreword

lmost one thousand years of history, ten centuries of service to humanity. Founded in Jerusalem at the beginning of the middle ages, it is still active today and known all over the world as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Faithful to its traditions, it has been able to continue its existence even in the wake of the year 2000 with new strategies and different programmes for the future.

From the heroic deeds in Palestine to the daring incursions in the Mediterranean, from the sieges on land to the battles at sea, its soldiers have filled memorable pages of history in defence of Christianity. For centuries they had been the indomitable protectors of the Faith but, when the valour and courage of soldiers were no longer necessary, they were able to rediscover their old mission which they had never neglected. From the hospital of Jerusalem to the infirmaries of Rhodes and Malta, on the trains that transported thousands of injured people during the world wars, among the victims of natural catastrophes, from Messina to Friuli, from Palestine to Irpinia to the bloodstained jungles of Vietnam and now, in Rwanda too, wherever human beings have suffered, the Order has assisted them.

As was once upon a time in the legendary "domus" in the Holy City, it is the same now in countries destroyed by war, in hospitals, leper colonies and in medical centres where the war against diabetes is still fought today. In the centres and homes for the aged, among the ever-growing crowds of pilgrims and the sick inspired by their faith, hope and devotion towards sanctuaries throughout the world, the men of the "Sacra Milizia" continue their work according to the Rule which has made them, since the 11th century, "Servants of the sick".

People of our times and not out of date and unlikely survivors of an anachronistic and useless world. They join their respect for a legendary past with current commitments and a constant presence and their Cross constitutes the symbol of Christian care and altruism.

The Author

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