Dear Friends,

In recent years our Order has been passing through a period of internal difficulties mainly of a constitutional and organizational nature. Over the years it had split in a number of groupings due to misunderstandings and rivalries. This is not something unusual since our Order is made up of fallible human beings. Other Chivalric Orders too - even the best known - have often had their own fair share of ups and downs in the course of their history. However, I can confidently say that these same upheavals have produced exciting challenges for the Order itself, and no less for our own Jurisdiction. For, in the process of addressing the issues arising from discord, our Order is now finding a renewed determination to grow and flourish, encouraged by the recent reunification between the Malta and French Obedience. In the local dimension, our Grand Priory has developed a strong hard-working management team and a more pro-active, more creative outlook. This forward-looking attitude has indeed  better equipped us for the optimum fulfillment of our aims and objectives. Our Charter is the Constitution of the Order and our targets remain those of fulfilling our philanthropic mission and recruiting willing, like-minded, socially-oriented persons.

The two jurisdictions in Malta (namely the Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands and the Commandery of the Castello) will soon have the privilege of forming together a National Jurisdiction, just as already exist in Italy, United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands.  In the process they respectively retain their individuality and autonomous activity. Our Grand Priory continues to incorporate the Gozo Commandery, to affiliate the Step-By-Step Foundation and to maintain close liason with The Special Rescue Group – St Lazarus Corps.  We shall contribute all we can to the growth and good name of our noble and ancient Order. We will continue to strive for excellence in all we do, hopefully  serving  as a model and point of reference for other jurisdictions especially the newer ones still developing.  Our increased experience of  organizational and international affairs gleaned in the last three years or so should serve us well for the coming years.  Let us not become complacent! Let us continue to be Malta-based but outward-looking. Insularity is not our style. And let us always be ready – as a jurisdiction -  to participate in the international life of the Order, apart from tending to those who need our love and charity here and abroad.In a local context, our annual pre-planned Calendar of Events is important.  This year’s Calendar is shown elsewhere in this Website. Importantly, we must avoid clashing dates and should liase as much as possible with our affiliates and allies. May I urge all our Members to participate fully in our events and activities, and to bring along guests and tell us about new prospective members they wish to recommend.

I must say that I am grateful for the co-operation that was forthcoming from all fractions to ensure the reunification of Maltese Lazarites under one umbrella. This unity will surely ensure further synergy and growth.

Finally I want to salute our friends the ‘Commandery of the Castello’, based at Torri Lanzun, San Gwann (Malta) ably led by Chevalier Geoffrey Fosberry GCLJ, who will shortly be the Grand Bailiff of the National Jurisdiction of Malta, incorporating our Grand Priory and the Commandery of the Castello.  Torri Lanzun (owned by the Order and managed by the Commandery of the Castello) is now our Grand Priory’s official meeting place, whilst our Spiritual Seat remains the Basilica of St George in Gozo, where there is the only altar dedicated to St Lazarus in these Islands. Of all this we are proud and happy. But we must all be up and doing! For our heritage is chivalry, our focus is charity!   

Confreres and Consoeurs,
Thank you.


J R PACE,
Grand Prior of the Maltese Islands