Dear Knights and Dames of our beloved Order, Dear Pilgrims,

On this splendid occasion, an historic pilgrimage of the Order to the Holy Land, I send you my warmest greetings for a spiritually enriching journey. Jerusalem, central to our Christian faith, has also a special significance for us here where Blessed Gerard founded our Order over 900 years ago. It is here that the selfless example shown by him and his community of knights, by their work in the hospital of St.John of Jerusalem, inspired our mission: tuitio fidei, obsequium pauperum. And today, again, we are proud to have a hospital in this region – our Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem.

Pilgrimages have always been a focus of our Order, offering to all who participate – the handicapped, the pilgrims, the volunteers, the helpers – a spiritual fulfilment like no other. The force of our Order is you, its devoted members. May you find great peace and nearness to God in these days in the Holy Land.

Fra’ Andrew Bertie