On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta, the Grand Master, Fra’ John T. Dunlap, paid a private visit to Malta, accompanied by the Grand Chancellor, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, and the Receiver of the Common Treasure, Fra’ Francis Vassallo. This significant anniversary marks six decades of steadfast commitment to serving the most vulnerable and those in need.
On the island, the Order of Malta represents a key reference point within the social and humanitarian fabric, carrying out numerous initiatives ranging from assistance to the most vulnerable to educational and spiritual activities. These include distributing meals to people in difficulty, supporting prisoners, the elderly, and the homeless, organizing pilgrimages, and offering programs for the sick, the elderly, orphans, and young people with disabilities. The Order also provides hospital escort services, operates a residence for single mothers and children, maintains canine units for rescue and first aid, and recently donated a fully equipped mobile clinic to assist migrants rescued off the Maltese coast. It has also collaborated with the NGO “Children Not Numbers” to offer medical care to seriously ill children from Gaza.
In Gozo, where the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta works closely with the local community, the Grand Master inaugurated the new premises of the Association’s Volunteers.
The newly renovated facilities were blessed and handed over to the community as a new operational hub for charitable activities. The new premises will strengthen the existing services for people in need and allow the development of further volunteer initiatives.
The 60th-anniversary celebrations then continued in Valletta with a Gala Dinner at the Grand Masters’ Palace, which the President of the Republic of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, honoured with her presence. During the evening, the President emphasized the significant humanitarian work carried out by the Association and paid tribute to the volunteers, professionals, and all those who dedicate their time and energy to serving others.
The Grand Master’s visit reaffirmed the profound historical and spiritual bond between Malta and the Order of Malta, as well as the central role of the Maltese Association in translating the principles of faith and service to those in need into concrete action every day.
