The 13th Asia Pacific Conference of the Order of Malta launches today in Singapore, bringing together representatives from the various National Associations, Delegations and the Order’s accredited Ambassadors on two continents. The three-day event, entitled “Anchored in Faith, Ablaze with Hope, Serve with Love” will include special sessions on the growth of activities in the different countries, spiritual formation, fundraising for projects with an international focus, and a session on communications.
In his opening address, Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo outlined the important commitment of the Order of Malta in some of the world’s most disadvantaged regions: Africa, Lebanon, Palestine, Timor-Leste – and in areas of emergency such as Gaza and Ukraine: “The true force of the Order is embodied in the universality of our presence, and even where we do not run an excellent hospital like the one in Bethlehem, we must still commit to serious, structured and ongoing projects. Everywhere we are present in the world we are close to those who suffer and it is there that our flag flies.” He noted the support of the Grand Magistry through the Order of Malta Donors for Projects (OMDP), a foundation dedicated to financing medium and small projects promoted by the Order’s entities around the world.
Grand Hospitaller Josef Blotz listed the principal projects of the Order of Malta, noting especially the crisis situations in Gaza and in Ukraine. In the Asia Pacific region, he praised particularly the untiring work carried out by the staff and volunteers in the Order’s clinics in Dili and Timor-Leste, which each year provide essential healthcare to thousands of patients. “The clinic stands as a beacon of hope and stability, offering not only tratment but dignity and compassion to those who come through its doors. In a country that has known hardship and reconstruction, the clinic represents the tangible expression of our faith in action.” In this context, through Malteser International Asia Pacific and the collaboration of humanitarian organisations in the region, there are proposals in hand to expand healthcare activities to reach out to even the most remote communities.
This commitment of the Order of Malta is deeply rooted in the spiritual dimension, emphasised the Order’s Prelate Mons. Luis Manuel Cuna Ramos in his report to the conference: “We are called to be God’s help to our Lords the poor and the sick, to make a difference in today’s world, because being a member or a volunteer in the Order is our response to a call from God. It is our vocation which makes God present in the world, with His love, His mercy, His compassion, His care.
Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, Grand Commander of the Order of Malta, will take part remotely in the conference with a presentation on “The Vocation of the Knight of Malta”.
