Holy Week & Easter message

From the Grand Prior, Fra’ Max Rumney:

Dear Friends,

"Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity" (Psalm 133.1)

Recently the Knights had their annual Retreat at Douai with the Benedictines, we learned about the power of living in Fraternity. Whilst our vocation as members of the Order of Malta is not one of communal living, we are bound in fraternity to pursue together our Charism of defence of the Faith and care of the sick and the poor. We support each other in this quest for the benefit of ourselves and for those we help.

There does not seem very much fraternity in the world as we approach Easter. The wars in the Ukraine and the Holy Land continue without the prospect of peace. The USA and Iran are threatening military engagement. And an economic war is bringing hardship and uncertainty to many.

In 2008, Grand Master Fra' Matthew Festing said that "the Order has much to achieve and we will only serve Almighty God, the Church [and the sick] if we all work together in unity". As we can see 17 years on, we still have much to achieve and many to support. I ask this Eastertide that you pray for peace and for all those who suffer because of wars (military and economic).

In addition to prayerful support, I know many of you volunteer with the Order. There is always more to do. Finally, the Order's appeal for the Holy Land remains open and you can send a donation by contacting Chris Wyatt on accounts@basmom.org.uk.

Have a blessed and Holy Easter.