Order of Malta Hospitallers gather near Rome to discuss main goals and challenges
The Hospitaller of the Maltese Association, Dr. Kevin F. Dingli, attended the 28th Hospitaller Conference which was held at the idyllic grounds of Fraterna Domus in Sacrofano, on the outskirts of Rome, after a two year gap owing to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Around 100 participants, including Hospitallers from various national associations and representatives of the Order of Malta’s many relief and volunteers corps attended, travelling from as far as Australia and the United States.
Attendees were welcomed by the Grand Hospitaller, whilst other addresses were delivered by the Grand Chancellor, the Prelate and the Communications Officer.
The terrible war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis which this has brought about were at the heart of the first day of the conference, with an overview of the main actions put in place by the Order’s Grand Priories, associations, relief corps and by Malteser International, the worldwide relief agency of the Order of Malta.
Representatives from the relief corps in Ukraine and Russian were also present, the Ukrainian delegate giving a most touching account of the dramatic situation unfolding in the country.
A special meeting between Malteser International and the Order of Malta’s Associations and Relief Corps working to assist the Ukrainian population was held. Logistics, transport, coordination, stress management, information exchange and long-term plans were among the topics discussed.
Other presentations dwelt on the coronavirus pandemic, the dignity of the human person and care for the elderly amongst others.
The conference then proceeded to adopt a new format, departing from the traditional presentations delivered by the individual hospitallers in attendance, breaking down instead into a number of topical workshops for better interaction and cross-fertilisation of ideas. The topics discussed ranged from spirituality, engaging young volunteers, enhancing volunteer commitment and fundraising.
Social events were held in the evenings, notably the official dinner hosted by the Lieutenant of the Grand Master at Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi and a buffet dinner in the beautiful gardens of Villa Malta, allowing further opportunity for intermingling and sharing of ideas in a more relaxed environment.
KD
