Order of Malta

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VOTO Annual Autumn Lunch

November 23 2025

One of the very dynamic peripheral organisations of the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta is – VOTO – the Volunteers of the Order. Since its inception in 1987, it has brought together young people and not so old to work together towards one of the principle aims of the Order – the care of the sick and poor members of society,

This is done in various ways, the principle one remaining that of raising enough funds through yearlong activities. The most important event remains the annual autumn lunch, this year held again at Villa Arrigo on Sunday the 23^rd of November. The Council of VOTO, with Dame Roberta Gabaretta as President and with Diana Testaferrata Moroni Viani as the Executive Chairperson and the other members, plan this activity from months in advance. All food served, whether these are pre-lunch small eats, lunch and dessert, is prepared by them with some help from others outside VOTO. Members of VOTO serve the food with staff from Villa Arrigo, while others man the counter selling wine and other drinks.

As in previous years, this event was well attended by members of the Order and their families and friends. Mass was said by Monsignor Fr Brendan Gatt, Principal Chaplain of the Maltese Association. Mr. Frederick Mifsud Bonnici, Treasurer of MASMOM read the First lesson while Fra’ Francis Vassallo read the Second one. Bidding prayers were read by Dame Karen Miller, the Hospitaller.

At the end of a very successful morning, Dr Michael Grech, President of the Association, had a special message to give to the Council of VOTO and the many guests present for this occasion. In his words “ VOTO’s annual autumn lunch has become a cherished tradition – an occasion we all look forward to as a celebration of conviviality, generosity and the spirit of service that defines our Order so profoundly.” Dr Grech continued to say “ This year’s lunch holds particular significance as it coincides with the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta . Sixty years of compassion, commitment, and unwavering dedication to those in need under the banner of our beloved Order – an extraordinary legacy that each of you, Members and volunteers alike, continue to uphold on a daily basis.

NBS