On 3 September 2020, knights and dames of the Order of Malta attended a mass to mark the 900^th anniversary of the death of the Order’s founder Blessed Fra’ Gerard at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney. The mass was celebrated by Archbishop Fisher, who is also one of the Order of Malta’s honorary conventual chaplains.

Whilst attendance at the Cathedral was limited due to Covid-19 social distancing precautions, hundreds of Order of Malta members, volunteers and supporters worldwide were able to join the mass via livestream.

Blessed Fra’ Gerard died in Jerusalem on 3 September 1120. He was the founder and first Grand Master of the Order of Malta one of the oldest religious orders of the Catholic Church.

His hospital for pilgrims to the Holy Land accepted everyone, regardless of origin or religion. For nine centuries members and volunteers of the Order of Malta have put his ideals of faith and charity into practice. This mission is today more relevant than ever as testified by medical, social and humanitarian commitments the Order has in 120 countries.

To serve the sick and the poor is the gift that Fra’ Gerard left us and for which we remember him on this important 900^th anniversary of his death.

The Order also wishes to thank Archbishop Fisher for celebrating the Mass and making St Mary’s Cathedral available for the occasion. His support of and interest in our work and history, something we appreciate greatly.