Order of Malta leader to visit Knock

Order of Malta leader to visit Knock Shrine


Michael Commins

THE Prince and Grand Master, Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing, will visit Knock this weekend as a guest of Monsignor Joe Quinn, PP. He is just the second British Grand Master in over 900 years of the Order’s history.
John Egan, who has been synonymous with the Order of Malta in Knock and the western region for many years, says they are delighted to have Matthew Festing visit Knock.
“This is a very special honour for Knock and for the local Order of Malta. He is the 79th Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta and is the holder of a long and proud tradition. He is assured of a very warm and hospitable welcome when he comes among us at the weekend.”
The title of Most Eminent Highness is bestowed on the Grand Master, and the Holy Roman Church confers him the rank of Cardinal. The Grand Master resides at the Order’s seat of government in Via Condotti in Rome.
According to the Constitution of the Order of Malta, as the religious Superior and Sovereign, he must fully dedicate himself to the development of the works of the Order and to set an example of living by Christian principles, to all the members of the Order.
The States with which the Order has diplomatic relations recognise the Grand Master with the prerogatives, immunities and honours reserved for Heads of State.
His visit coincides with the annual Order of Malta four day pilgrimage to Knock Shrine which will culminate with special ceremonies in the Basilica on Sunday, August 29. Fra’ Festing will review a parade of the Ambulance Corp at the Shrine at 2pm, prior to the ceremonies.
He will also visit the sick and elderly who are guests of the Order of Malta at St Joseph’s Rest Home and will accompany them on a visit to Ballintubber Abbey on Saturday morning where they will attend 10am Mass.