Maltese Association - Order of Malta

Maltese Association - Order of Malta Non Profit Charitable Organisation

In Rome, the First International Receivers and Treasurers Conference of the Sovereign Military Order of MaltaParticipant...
19/02/2026

In Rome, the First International Receivers and Treasurers Conference of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Participants received a video message from Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament: “In a world where fragmentation is often presented as autonomy, choosing unity is an act of leadership”

Rome, 19 February, 2026 – The first international conference of Receivers and Treasurers of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, entitled “A Culture Change”, is currently being held in Rome at the Villa Magistrale on the Aventine Hill. A three-day event dedicated to the administrators of the Priories and all the Order's associations worldwide, to promote a cultural evolution in transparency, corporate governance, the proper use of public resources, anti-money laundering and accountability, critical issues to ensure that every resource is used with the greatest efficiency in support of humanitarian activities serving the poor and sick.

The proceedings were opened by the Receiver of the Common Treasure, Fra’ Francis Vassallo, who recalled the cultural change inherent in the Constitution that came into force in 2022, which “represents a decisive moment in the life of the Order, requiring a full understanding of the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity, as a concrete expression of collaboration and harmony between the central level and local situations”. In his speech, he highlighted the value of good governance and strict and responsible management of resources, saying that the Order preserves a spiritual and material heritage built over 900 years of history and that there is “a moral duty to preserve this legacy”. Faced with cuts inglobal resources for humanitarian works and the difficulties of fundraising, he said that “careful and responsible management of funds is not an end in itself, but an essential tool toeffectively support the Order's humanitarian and spiritual activities worldwide, serving the poor and sick”.

A video message for the Receivers meeting on the Aventine Hill came from the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, who stressed the importance of cooperation in global institutions: “No global institution can function as a collection of isolated entities. Diversity of experience is a strength, but the impact is greater when we act in unison. That is why dialogue, shared standards and collective responsibilities are important. In a world where fragmentation is often presented as autonomy, choosing unity is an act of leadership”.

There were also speeches by prominent speakers from the international economic and financial scene, such as Professor Giulio Tremonti, President of the Foreign and Community Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, in dialogue with Il Sole 24 Ore journalist Carlo Marroni, on the topic “Between Demographic and Democratic Crises: A Proposal”, and Professor Marina Brogi, Professor of Economics of Financial Intermediaries at the University of Milan-Bicocca, who closed the day with a report on Corporate Governance in Financial Institutions. “Good governance is based on people's integrity and competence, their genuine independence of judgment, and on structured processes, supported by robust documentation and comprehensive and reliable information flows”, she explained.

The Grand Chancellor, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, also spoke at the event created by the Receiver, speaking of ‘culture change’ as a return “to our ancient, original, fantastic culture which involves full collaboration, a great unified vision, faith embodied in works and a cultural avant-garde”. Looking to the future, he called for “raising one's head”, not only to manage “what we have” but to “imagine what we can become”.

The Secretary General, Marchesino Josef Formosa Gauci, and the Treasurer, Frederick Mifsud Bonnici, represented the Maltese Association.

The Maltese Association mourns the death of Emeritus President Dr Philip Farrugia Randon 1949-2026It is with immense sad...
05/02/2026

The Maltese Association mourns the death of Emeritus President Dr Philip Farrugia Randon 1949-2026

It is with immense sadness and sorrow that we inform you about the demise, early this morning, of our most beloved confrère, and Emeritus President, Dr. Philip Farrugia Randon.

Philip was admitted into the Order in 2000 and took his Promise of Obedience in 2009. He was conferred the Grand Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi in 2014 and promoted to Knight Grand Cross of Magistral Grace in 2015. He was elected President of the Maltese Association in 2009 and served for two consecutive terms until 2015. In 2005 he was made a Member of the National Order of Merit.

Philip leaves behind a rich legacy of service, leadership, creativity, and intellect. Beyond his legal career, Philip was a gifted writer, artist, poet and historian. Philip brought depth, imagination, and insight to all that he did. He was known for his infectious humour, sharp wit and thoughtful perspective, he had a rare ability to illuminate the past while engaging the present. His contributions to the Maltese Association and to the wider community in Malta reflected both his passion for history and his love of expression. He will be remembered lovingly by all of us members of the Maltese Association for his dedication to our Association and to the Order, and with admiration, gratitude, and affection by all who knew him and had the privelege of working with him.

The President, council and members of the Association extend heartfelt condolences to our consoeur Helen, to Philippa and her children, and to all the family.

May the Lord grant Philip eternal rest, and let us all remember him and his family in our prayers in these trying times.

President Metsola meets with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta The Grand Master, Fra’ John Dunlap, received this mo...
30/01/2026

President Metsola meets with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta

The Grand Master, Fra’ John Dunlap, received this morning the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, at the Magistral Palace in Rome.

The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for an update on the activities of the Order of Malta, which are carried out in more than 130 countries worldwide. The President expressed her great appreciation for the humanitarian work carried out by the Order in complex situations such as Ukraine and Gaza.

During the talks, which were also attended by the Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, the Receiver of the Common Treasure Fra’ Francis Vassallo, and the Ambassador of the European Union to the Order of Malta, Martin Selmayr, a shared concern was expressed regarding international crisis scenarios, together with the hope for a return to conditions of stability and respect for international humanitarian law.

Papal AudienceThe Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV graciously invited the Sovereign Order of Malta and other institutions for a...
30/01/2026

Papal Audience

The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV graciously invited the Sovereign Order of Malta and other institutions for an audience at the Vatican on Saturday, the 10th of January 2026. His Holiness wished to personally thank all those who rendered a service in Rome during the Ordinary Jubilee Year. The Maltese Association was led by its President, Dr Michael Grech, various members of the Council and several members and volunteers.

In his message, Pope Leo XIV explained that these organisations and institutors “offered a multifaceted contribution, often hidden, always demanding and full of responsibility, thanks to which more than thirty million pilgrims were able to undertake the Jubilee journey”

The Maltese Association was in charge in January of last year of the First Aid offices at the four major Basilicas in Rome for a whole week.

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MONTHLY TEA PARTIESThe pilgrimage to Lourdes that takes place every year in the first days of May entails a lot of work ...
05/01/2026

MONTHLY TEA PARTIES

The pilgrimage to Lourdes that takes place every year in the first days of May entails a lot of work by the Hospitaller, Dame Karen Miller, and many other members of the Order and members of VOTO, the volunteers of the Order.

But the connection with “Our Lords the Sick” does not come to an end on return to Malta. Some 10 years ago, Dame Victoire Borg Manche, Ms Doris Aquilina and others took up the initiative to hold monthly tea parties for the guests of the Order in Lourdes, thus keeping a strong link with them and their families.

Over the years, contacts have been established with a several companies who generously provide the food and drinks served during these events. As important, are those who provide, for free, the venues to hold these tea parties. And needless to add, the number of members and volunteers who are there ‘ to serve ‘ during the delightful few hours enjoyed together.

Ms Rosanne Fenech in recent years has also been instrumental to ensure that the commitments undertaken to organise these monthly events happen with success.

The most recent one was held at the Radisson Golden Sands.

The President and Council of the Maltese Association remain forever grateful to all those who have taken this happy burden in ensuring that a close contact remains with ‘our guests” even after the return from Lourdes.

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Christmas Message from H.E. Dr Michael Grech, President of the Maltese Association22nd December 2025Dear Confrères and C...
24/12/2025

Christmas Message from H.E. Dr Michael Grech, President of the Maltese Association

22nd December 2025

Dear Confrères and Consoeurs, dear Volunteers and Friends,

As we approach the celebration of Christmas, I wish to extend my heartfelt greetings to each one of you. I also take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for your generosity, commitment, and service throughout the past year.

This year has been especially meaningful as we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta. We were honoured to welcome H.M.E.H. the Prince and Grand Master, whose presence amongst us inspired us all to continue our work with renewed faith and dedication, reflecting the deep bond that unites us in this great vocation.

Throughout the year, you have al lived the Hospitaller mission of the Order in countless ways and through you, the mission of the Order continues to be a living sign of Christ's compassion in our world. Whether through medical and social initiatives, pastoral outreach, or practical assistance to those in need, your commitment has brought comfort, dignity, and hope to the sick, the elderly, the lonely, the incarcerated, and the vulnerable.

In all that you have done this year, we have seen the two charisms of our Order lived out in a very real way- deep faith rooted in prayer and a generous love expressed through service of the poor and the sick. Together, these continue to shape who we are and how we serve as members and volunteers of the Order of Malta. I am especially grateful to those members and volunteers who offered their time and service in Rome during the Jubilee of Hope. Your presence reflected the generous spirit and faith of the Maltese Association.

This season invites us to reflect on the birth of Christ and the hope it brings to the world. As w e celebrate the birth of Our Saviour, may the peace and joy of Christmas renew our strength and deepen our sense of calling, inspiring us to continue walking together as Hospitallers, united in faith, strengthened by friendship, and ever attentive to those whom the Lord entrusts to our care.

With heartfelt wishes for a holy and peaceful Christmas for you and your families, and with every blessing for the New Year ahead.

Yours confraternally,

Michael Grech

President

Preparation and Distribution of Christmas HampersEvery year, come Christmas, the generosity of members of the Associatio...
21/12/2025

Preparation and Distribution of Christmas Hampers

Every year, come Christmas, the generosity of members of the Association is never missing from making itself present. Thus, this year, again, the President of the Association, Dr Michael Grech, assisted by the Hospitaller, Dame Karen Miller, was able to distribute to several needy families, homes and institutions, 120 hampers made possible through benefactors, members and volunteers who donated money or goods. Helping people less privileged than others makes Christmas more complete for those receiving as well as for those giving their modest contribution. Present was also Dame Helene Zammit, Vice President of the Council.

The presentation took place on Monday the 15th December, at the Headquarters in Valletta.

Several volunteers helped to prepare and distribute the hampers at the homes of those who could not attend.

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Children's Christmas PartyDecember’s festive season has started. An annual event organised by the Maltese Association of...
21/12/2025

Children's Christmas Party

December’s festive season has started. An annual event organised by the Maltese Association of the Order is a grand children’s party, this year taking place on the 11th of December. Around 170 young guests accompanied by around 45 adults filled the hall on the second floor of the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Floriana to party for a couple of hours, being taking care of by Dame Karen Miller, the Hospitaller, helped in this by several members and volunteers.

The noise, the running around, the laughter, the shouts indicated that the special guests did have fun.

Games were followed by a generous supply of food and drinks , all ably prepared by the staff in the kitchens of the Hotel.

As in previous years, the visit of Father Christmas heralded the time when each child was given a memento, thus bringing the evening to a close.

Dr Michael Grech, President of the Association, Dame Helene Zammit, Vice President, and other members of the Council were at hand to join in the festive atmosphere.

The Maltese Association remains grateful to the Management and Staff of the Grand Hotel Excelsior for their annual support for this event. Gratitude is also due to the many sponsors for this event, the people transporting the children to the event, and the staff at the Association, Donna and Alice and Joe for their meticulous preparation and support during the event.

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Grand Master’s Private Visit – Inauguration of the MASMOM Volunteer Gozo PremisesHis Most Emiment Highness, the Prince a...
09/12/2025

Grand Master’s Private Visit – Inauguration of the MASMOM Volunteer Gozo Premises

His Most Emiment Highness, the Prince and Grand Master, Fra’ John Dunlap, visited Malta between the 5th and 7 December, on the invitation of the Maltese Association to participate at the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Maltese Association. He was accompanied by The Grand Chancellor, H.E. Riccado Paterno’ di Montecupo and the Receiver of the Common Treasure, H.E. Fra’ Francis Vassallo.

Saturday’s events started with a visit to the spiritual seat of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Gozo, the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Xewkija. The Grand Master was welcomed by Archpriest Mgr. Daniel Xerri, who gave a guided tour of the church and its history.

H.M.E.H. The Prince and Grand Master proceeded to the building housing the Order of Malta Volunteers in Gozo, to officially inaugurate the premises after extensive renovation works carried out by the Association, and these were blessed by the His Lordship the Bishop of Gozo, Mgr. Anton Theuma. This was followed by a reception attended by H.M.E.H. The Prince and Grand Master, H.E. The Grand Chancellor, H.E. The Receiver, the President and Council of the Maltese Association, members of the Order resident in Gozo, as well as volunteers.

Holy Mass was later celebrated by the Principal Chaplain, the Very Reverend Mgr Brendan Gatt, at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu.

Gala Dinner:

A Gala Dinner commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the Maltese Association was held at the Grand Masters’ Palace in Valletta on the 6 December 2025. This was held by gracious permission of H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, and was attended by over 150 members, volunteers and guests. Patrons were welcomed at the entrance to the Palace by members of the Association’s Canine SAR Unit, together with their dogs.

Her Excellency Miriam Spiteri Debono President of Malta, His Most Eminent Highness the Prince and Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap, His Grace Mgr Charles Jude Scicluna Metroplitan Archbishop of Malta, H.E. The Grand Chancellor Riccado Paterno’ di Montecupo, H.E. The Receiver of the Common Treasure Fra’ Francis Vassallo, The Ambassador of the Order to Malta H.E. Prince Augusto Ruffo di Calabria, H.E. Dr Michael Grech President, and Council of the Maltese Association, attended.

In his address, the President of the Maltese Association, H.E. Dr Michael Grech, thanked the President of the Republic of Malta H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, and remarked that there could be no better venue than the Grand Masters’ Palace in Valletta, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Maltese Association, from where, the previous Grand Masters ruled the Order, Malta and their territories. He also thanked the Grand Master, His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ John Dunlap, for taking the time from his busy schedule to be present on this day. Dr Grech thanked the dignatories present, his predessors, and the members and volunteers, for the six decades of steadfast dedication to the Order’s charisms, Tuitio Fidei and Obsequim Pauperum.

President Spiteri Debono said that this occasion also served to celebrate the indissolouble bond that exists between the Republic of Malta and the Order of Malta. Her Excellency acknowledged the work that the Maltese Association does in the humanitarian field, based on the two fundamental principles. She paid tribute to all the volunteers, professionals and countless others who uphold this tradition and gave time and energy to the service of others. The President dwelt on some of the important activities that are organised by the Association such as the pilgrimages and Summer Youth Camps.

The Grand Master said that it was a true pleasure to be present, in a country which not only shared its name with the Order, but with which there existed a deep bond of history and spirit. He was pleased to recall that Malta was the first country he visited following his election as Grand Master in June 2023, where he had the privilige of admiring the beautiful Perellos Tapestries that now grace what was once the Order’s conventual church. The Grand Master thanked Her Excellency for her generous hospitality in welcoming all to, what he jokingly referred to as, “his palace”. He thanked Dr Grech for his devoted leadership of the Maltese Association to carry out the Order’s mission. Earlier in the day His Highness inaugurated the new MASMOM Volunteer premises in Gozo, to open new opportunities for service. He highlighted the Order’s international works and confirmed the enduring friendship between the Order of Malta and the Republic of Malta.

His Grace Mgr Charles Jude Scicluna, Metroplitan Archbishop of Malta, lead the prayers before the meal.

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History of the Maltese Association

In 1960, a group of knights resident in Malta met under the chairmanship of Archbishop Sir Michael Gonzi to give a proper structure to their activities on the island. Until then most knights were members of the Order “in gremio religionis”. At the time Malta was still a British colony.

A premises was found at 168, St Ursula Street Valletta and the group of Maltese knights began to attend together several events, as well as increase their work with the sick and poor people on the island.

The celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the Great Siege of Malta, held in 1965, attracted many knights from around the globe. It was during these celebrations that Fra’ Enrico Montalto de Fragnito, in formally opening the premises in Valletta, read the Decree 125/4156, dated 2nd September 1965, whereby Grand Master Fra’ Angelo de Mojana proclaimed the setting up of the Maltese Association, with all knights resident in Malta becoming its members

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The photos are available in the following Galleries:

Xewkija Parish Church:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/masmom/albums/72177720330789256/

Inauguration of the new premises:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/masmom/albums/72177720330816904/

Mass at Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/masmom/albums/72177720330789311/

Gala Dinner at The Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/masmom/albums/72177720330781480/

Order of Malta National Art Exhibition 2025 ReportThe 2nd Edition of the Order of Malta National Art Exhibition was a ve...
04/12/2025

Order of Malta National Art Exhibition 2025 Report

The 2nd Edition of the Order of Malta National Art Exhibition was a veritable success and a truly remarkable gathering of talent and creativity that enriched the Maltese cultural calander. The splendid 16th-century St John’s Cavalier, built by the Order of Malta and so aptly suited to host the Exhibition, was itself an added attraction for our numerous foreign visitors.

The Exhibition welcomed approximately 4,000 visitors, in addition to just over 300 students and teachers from 14 schools who attended through the educational tours organised by Dame Roberta Gabaretta and Ms Fiona Captur, both members of the organising committee. Participant artists accompanied each group of students, presenting their artworks, their medium, and their message. Students were also guided through the historical role of St John’s Cavalier over the centuries and its current function as the Embassy of the Order of Malta to Malta. These visits greatly enriched awareness of our national heritage and the contemporary art scene among younger generations.

Our principal sponsor was again APS Bank with a generous contribution of €10,000. Other sponsors included GO plc, Pincott Security, Elmo Insurance, SG Solutions, Atelier Michael Tabone, and various private individuals. My committee , the Volunteers of the Order, together with additional volunteers, dedicated their time in support of this public relations initiative, which not only promoted the Maltese Association and the local artistic community but also generated much-needed funds that will support the charitable causes of our Association in Malta and Gozo.

One hundred and ninety-five artists participated in this collective exhibition, representing roughly 50% of Maltese artists, or artists associated with the Maltese Islands. We express our gratitude to those who fully donated the proceeds of their sold artworks, those who contributed a percentage of their sale proceeds, as well as to all who participated. Eighty four artworks found a new home, with four going to Italy, Germany and France The net proceeds surpassed those of the 2023 edition and amount to approximately €47,000.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to H.E. Prince Augusto Ruffo di Calabria, the Ambassador of the Order to the Republic of Malta for the use of the Cavalier, and we truly look forward to a biennial repeat edition in 2027.

PAD

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Casa Lanfreducci, Jean De Valette Square
Valletta
VLT1104

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