| Mission
of the Order
The Order of St John of Jerusalem is one of the
oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation. Present
in Palestine in around 1050, it is a lay religious Order, traditionally
of military, chivalrous, noble nature. Its 10,000 members include
Professed Friars and others who have made vows of obedience. The
other Knights and Dames are lay members, devoted to the exercise
of Christian virtue and charity. What distinguishes the Knights
of Malta is their commitment to reaching their spiritual perfection
within the Church and to expending their energies serving the poor
and the sick. Characteristics of the Order The Sovereign Order of Malta is a sovereign subject of international law, with its own constitution, passports, stamps, and public institutions. The 78th Grand Master, Fra' Andrew Bertie, was elected Head of the Order for life in 1988. The Order has diplomatic relations with 92 countries - many of which non-Catholic - and missions to major European countries, as well as to European and international organisations. The Order of Malta is neutral, impartial and non-political, which is why it can successfully act as a mediator between States.
The Order and the Republic of Malta The Order has recently returned to Malta, after signing an agreement with the Maltese Government which granted the Order the exclusive use of Fort St. Angelo for a term of 99 years. Located in the town of Birgu, the Fort belonged to the Knights from 1530 until the island was occupied by Napoleon in 1798. Today, after restoration, the Fort accommodates the Accademia Internazionale Melitense, which is engaged in historical and cultural activities related to the Order of Malta. |
