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