With a moment of deep spirituality and recollection, the Sovereign Order of Malta’s Jubilee of Grand Priors, Regents and Presidents of National Associations was celebrated today. Lead by the Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap, the international leaders of the Order passed through the Holy Door of St. Mary Major, where they then participated in the Mass presided by the Cardinal Patron of the Sovereign Order of Malta Gianfranco Ghirlanda. All the participants joined in prayer for Pope Francis’ health, in communion with all the Order’s members throughout the world, who are currently entrusting the Pope to their intercessions.

Representatives of the Order’s 50 National Associations and 10 Priories, Relief Corps and humanitarian entities had gathered in Rome for the occasion.

In his homily, the cardinal reiterated the true meaning of the Jubilee indulgence: “To receive the indulgence of the Holy Year does not only imply to put into effect the prescribed exterior actions alone: it implies a conversion of our heart, as a passage from the frivolous things that may exist in our lives and from presuming ourselves as just, to the humbleness of a heart that receives the God’s mercy as a gift”.

Appointed Cardinal Patron of the Order by Pope Francis in 2023, the cardinal also recalled that “we are approaching Lent, preparing ourselves to the celebration of Easter. Let it truly be a passage, in the company of Christ, towards a greater and greater authenticity of our life, and may our life be a testimony in a world that is growing increasingly violent because it is blinded by the thirst of power, does not believe and does not want to believe”.

At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, the Grand Master, the Grand Commander and the Cardinal Patronus of the Order of Malta went in procession to the altar under which is the relic of the Holy Crib, where they stopped for prayer.

The Jubilee event was an opportunity for reflection and spiritual renewal for the Sovereign Order of Malta’s members, reaffirming their commitment to serving the poor and the suffering consistent with the millenary mission of the Order. The conference therefore closes with a strong appeal for authentic faith and active charity, founding values of the Order.

Photo-credit: Cristian Gennari