At the Order’s Magistral Villa, the Grand Master Fra’ Andrew Bertie was greeting by a long and enthusiastic applause for the traditional meeting with the Grand Magistry’s staff yesterday.

In his speech, the Grand Master asserted that “you all perform invaluable work, each in his or her own area of competence. Although this work increases as the Order’s activities and relations increase worldwide, your spirit of service and your dedication remain unaltered”.

The Grand Master went over the year’s main events, including the many institutional assemblies, the State visits made abroad and the participation in numerous international meetings. He then recalled those who have left us, namely Fra’ Carlo Arditi di Castelvetere and Prince Paolo Francesco Boncompagni Ludovisi, who had both played a significant role in the service of the Grand Magistry and of the Order.

At the end of his speech, the Grand Master conferred decorations al Merito Melitense on deserving members of the Grand Magistry’s staff.