The patron saint of the Order of Malta, St. John the Baptist, was celebrated yesterday with a Mass in the Roman Basilica dei Santi Bonifacio e Alessio, in the presence of the Grand Master, the Sovereign Council and a large representation of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Celebrations have also taken place in many other nations where the Order of Malta is present with its relief network and humanitarian projects.  The Order of Malta’s Grand Priories, National Associations, Embassies and Relief Corps on the five continents organized masses and events to celebrate St. John the Baptist, a symbol of fidelity and courage, as recalled by Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, Cardinal Patron of the Order of Malta, in his homily in the Basilica dei Santi Bonifacio e Alessio. Mass was concelebrated by the Prelate of the Order of Malta, Monsignor Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos.

Yesterday, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, celebrated a solemn Mass in Lebanon for the feast of St. John the Baptist, testifying to the Holy See’s support for the Order’s numerous humanitarian projects around the world.

The Grand Master and the Order’s government also took part in the Mass held this morning in Rome in the hospital dedicated to the patron saint. Celebrated by Monsignor Andrea Ripa, head chaplain of the Grand Priory of Rome, the Mass was also attended by several patients of the hospital.