For Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap, the meeting was an opportunity to thank the President for the visit and to renew “the Order’s congratulations on her recent election and best wishes for the success of her mandate.”
The meeting underlined the deep historical and cultural ties that have united Malta and the Order for almost 5 centuries. The relationship between Malta and the Order of Malta dates back to 1530, when Emperor Charles V granted the island to the Order with the approval of Pope Clement VII.
Since then, despite the historical events that saw the Knights leave the island in 1798, the ties between the 2 entities have remained strong and “this visit represents a further tangible sign of this,” commented Fra’ John Dunlap.
During the meeting, President Spiteri Debono and Grand Master Dunlap addressed issues of common interest, including the geopolitical crises of recent years and the promotion of peace. Both reiterated the importance of International Law and the need to support processes of reconciliation and stabilization, within the framework of respect for freedom and human rights.
President Spiteri Debono expressed gratitude for the work carried out by the Order in the most complex scenarios and for the activities of social impact in the Republic of Malta, considering it a crucial partner in the promotion of shared values such as cooperation, solidarity, and peace.
Humanitarian Activities in Malta
Among the Order’s most notable humanitarian initiatives in Malta are the distribution of meals to cancer patients, immigrants, the homeless and single people, and support for prisoners, elderly people in nursing homes and the homeless. The Order of Malta also organizes pilgrimages for the sick to Gozo, activities for the elderly, orphans and young disabled people. It also runs a shuttle service to take wheelchair patients to hospital and a residence for single mothers and children.
In addition, it provides a rescue dog service in emergencies and provides first aid at religious events. The Grand Magisterium donated a fully equipped mobile clinic to the Maltese National Association to provide first aid to migrants rescued off the coast of Malta.
Recently, the Order’s Embassy in Malta collaborated with the NGO “Children Not Numbers” to provide medical care to seriously ill children from Gaza.
