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Order of Malta Australia

News

Pope Francis receives Fra’ Matthew Festing, Grand Master of the Order of Malta

30/06/2013 


The meeting in the Vatican on the feast of St. John the Baptist

Pope Francis received the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing, accompanied by members of the Order’s Government. The audience took place in the Pontiff’s private study in the Vatican.

The economic and financial crisis and the humanitarian emergencies linked to ongoing conflicts, starting with the disturbing situation in Syria, were the main topics of the meeting with the Pope. The Grand Master illustrated the Order of Malta’s multiple humanitarian activities in assisting local populations fleeing from violence. Among the other topics discussed were the Order of Malta’s activities in the Middle East and in Africa as well as its commitment in South America to help the disadvantaged.

The meeting between the two Heads of State took place, as is the tradition, on the feast of the Sovereign Order of Malta’s patron, St. John the Baptist, celebrated on 24 June.

The Australian Association

The Australian Association, formed in 1974, currently has in excess of 300 members and aspirant members across every State and Territory of Australia. We also have ongoing and strong links with the Order’s National Associations throughout the Asia Pacific Region including in Singapore and the Philippines and with members of the Order in New Zealand, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand and Korea. The Order of Malta is committed to serving Our Lords the Poor and Sick worldwide and has done so for over 900 years. This website shares with you the history, mission and current activities of the Order of Malta in Australia, and provides links to the work of the Order world-wide.