The first Conference of Grand Priors, Regents and Presidents of the Sovereign Order of Malta’s National Associations from 28 February to 2 March began today in Rome at the Magistral Villa on the Aventine Hill. Almost two years after the election of the Order’s new government led by Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap, the conference represents a unique opportunity for discussion between the Order of Malta’s leaders to strengthen the mission of assistance to the neediest and reaffirm its humanitarian and spiritual commitment at global level.

A valuable opportunity to share internal good practices, but also to discuss the impact of ongoing humanitarian initiatives and to reinforce relations and connections between the 50 National Associations, the 10 Priories, the 45 Relief Corps and other humanitarian bodies active on 5 continents.

At the end of the three days, there will be the Jubilee event on Sunday where conference participants will pass in procession through the Holy Door into the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major. Mass will be celebrated there by Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, Patron of the Order of Malta.

Grand Master Fra’ John T. Dunlap opened the conference with a speech which stressed how important it was that “the Grand Magistry, the National Associations and the relief corps should be acting together, working towards the same goal: to ensure the growth of the Order worldwide and the development and improvement of its humanitarian activities”. For this, he added, “the Order and all its parts must head towards the same destination: that is, the fulfilment of our Mission to serve the sick and the poor”. Afterwards, the presidents of the Associations participated in sessions on spirituality, governance of the Order and resource management.

Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Grand Chancellor of the Order, reiterated that “culture, vision and being ahead of one’s time is an ancient characteristic of the Order of Malta, as the creation of the Holy Infirmary in Jerusalem by Blessed Gerard and the founding of the Missionary School of Emergency Medicine and Surgery in Rome nine centuries later tell us”. Even today, he added, “it is necessary to equip ourselves with the right tools, considering that humanitarian needs are increasing sharply, and increasingly result from complex phenomena such as climate change, migration, artificial intelligence, or the great issue of inclusion”. The Grand Chancellor therefore urged the leaders of the Order of Malta’s different entities to intensify their activities and presence in the world as much as possible, in the complex scenarios in which they are called to operate.

Saturday 1st March will be dedicated to strategic issues, including communication, fundraising and philanthropy. During the working sessions, the Order of Malta Donors for Projects (OMDP) will also be presented, a foundation for financing small and medium-sized projects promoted by the Order’s entities around the world.