For the first time in its over 900 years of history, the Order of Malta has held a conference in South Korea.

From 22 to 25 September some 50 delegates from the Grand Magistry in Rome and from the South East Asian, Australian and Far Eastern countries where the Order is present participated in the 6th Asia Pacific Conference in Seoul.

Grand Chancellor Albrecht Boeselager opened the meeting, also attended by Grand Hospitaller Dominique de La Rochefoucauld-Montbel, presidents of the Australian, Philippine and Singaporean Associations, heads of the Hong-Kong, Thailand and South Korea delegations, ambassadors and those responsible for the Order’s medical, social and humanitarian programmes.

The purpose of the meeting was to take stock of the projects underway in the region and evaluate them. A session was dedicated to expanding activities in the countries where the Order of Malta is not yet present. Among the items on the agenda were the Order’s diplomatic relations, a prerogative that facilitates access to the competent authorities in crisis areas together with specialized support.

In illustrating the Order of Malta’s main activities over the past twelve months, the Grand Hospitaller Dominique de La Rochefoucauld-Montbel expressed his satisfaction in the important and rapid development of projects on the continent.

The first Korean Members in the Order of Malta’s History

The inauguration of 11 members of the Order of Malta’s newly founded South Korea delegation on 24 September was certainly an historic event.

In the South Korean capital, mass was celebrated by Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop of Seoul, in Myeong-dong Cathedral dedicated to the Immaculate Conception . During the celebration, Ian Marshall, President of the Australian Association, to which the latest delegation belongs, inaugurated the Order of Malta’s new members during an emotional ceremony.

The Grand Chancellor Albrecht Boeselager announced his pleasure in the establishment of the new South Korea delegation, saying that he was: “certain that the new members will be equal to the commitments awaiting them”.