In spite of the incessant rain, the ‘Easter lunch’ offered by the Order of Malta’s Rome Delegation to those in need was once again strongly and joyfully attended. The event, on Saturday 15 April, began at 9.30 a.m. with Holy Mass in the church of Santa Maria in Aventino, celebrated by Monsignor Stefano Sanchirico.

The Lieutenant of the Grand Master, Fra’ John Dunlap, the Grand Commander Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, some members of the Sovereign Council and the head of the Rome Delegation, Leopoldo Torlonia, attended the Holy Mass and participated in the charity event.
While last year’s lunch was served outdoors, in the gardens of the Magistral Villa, this year, due to the adverse weather conditions, the Lieutenant allowed the tables to be set up inside the church to protect the guests and volunteers from the rain.

Volunteers from the various groups that make up the Rome Delegation, helped by those of the Order of Malta’s Italian Relief Corps, quickly organised the setting up of tables and chairs and the preparation of meals. At the entrance, another group of volunteers ensured an orderly flow of the 150 or so needy who were served lunch at tables. A group of about 30 needy people was accompanied from Ostia, near Rome, in a minibus. At the end of the meal, each recipient was given a parcel of food and an Easter egg.