The Sovereign Order of Malta’s official donation of an ambulance to the Governorate of the Vatican City State took place today, Friday, 22 November 2024. Strongly supported by Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap, the purchase of a fully equipped ambulance – which officially launches the Order of Malta’s activities for the Jubilee – will contribute to the services of the Governorate’s Directorate of Health and Hygiene in view of the Jubilee activities, during which some 30 million pilgrims are expected to arrive.

The Grand Master, Fra’ John Dunlap, spoke at the donation ceremony held in the Governor’s Palace, accompanied by the Grand Hospitaller, Fra’ Alessandro De Franciscis, and the Receiver of the Common Treasure, Fabrizio Colonna.

“These initiatives further emphasize the strong synergy with the Holy See and Pope Francis and, above all, reinforce our charism and mission to serve the poor, the needy and the faith”, said Fra’ John Dunlap.

To welcome the Grand Master and his delegation were the President of the Governorate, Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga LC, the Secretary General, Sister Raffaella Petrini FSE, the Deputy Secretary General, Giuseppe Puglisi Alibrandi and the Directorate of Health and Hygiene, represented by Director Andrea Arcangeli and Deputy Director Luigi Carbone.

The donation is part of a broader plan of activities that the Sovereign Order of Malta has set in motion for the Jubilee Year. More than 2000 volunteers – from some 20 countries worldwide – will serve in the first-aid posts run by the Order of Malta in the four papal basilicas of Saint Peter, St John Lateran, St Mary Major and St Paul’s Outside the Walls.

The Order of Malta volunteers will work two shifts per day in each basilica. A doctor, a nurse and two first-aiders will be present for every shift, totalling 32 volunteers per week for 55 weeks, according to the Holy Doors opening and closing dates in the four basilicas.

The service’s centre of operations will be the First-Aid Station in St Peter’s Square, managed by the Order of Malta and located a few metres from the basilica forecourt. For 45 years it has been providing medical assistance to pilgrims 365 days a year, especially during papal audiences on Wednesdays and religious ceremonies.