On 8th September, the members of the Grand Priory of Rome met in Assisi for their annual pilgrimage to the Patriarchal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels.

Led by Grand Master Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto, over 200 of the Order’s knights, dames and volunteers took part.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided by Cardinal Paolo Sardi, Patron Emeritus of the Order of Malta. Also present were the Archbishop of Assisi, Msgr. Domenico Sorrentino and Archbishop Angelo Acerbi, Prelate Emeritus. Afterwards the Grand Master and members of the Order paid homage to the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Philermos, patroness of the Order of Malta since its time on Rhodes (1310-1523). Situated in the left arm of the Basilica transept, the Franciscans brought this reproduction from Rhodes to Assisi at the end of the second World War.

Speaking to the Order’s members, the Grand Master expressed his wish for the 8th September pilgrimage to Assisi to once again become an event in which all three of the Italian Grand Priories participated.