Knights' Grandmaster made honorary citizen of Birgu

A member of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta will be paying in full for the installation of a passenger lift in St Lawrence Church, Vittoriosa, which would make the church accessible to the elderly and disabled, Grandmaster Fra Andrew Bertie said yesterday.

The name of the member involved was not identified.

Fra Andrew, Prince and Grandmaster of the SMOM, was speaking yesterday at a ceremony full of pomp and colour during which he was conferred with honorary citizenship of Birgu (Vittoriosa).

The ceremony took place in Couvre Port, which was gaily decorated with banners for the occasion.

The Grandmaster stressed the importance of the order renewing its ancient ties with Malta, saying this should not be limited to buildings and works of art, but also to bonds based on love and compassion.

The ceremony was led by the mayor of Vittoriosa, John Boxall, in the presence of President Guido de Marco.

Prof. de Marco highlighted the important links between the works of charity of the order and Christianity, saying that the SMOM had been around for 900 years of the 2,000 years of Christianity.

Fra Andrew stopped to make a number of courtesy visits in Vittoriosa, before attending Mass in the parish church. He then laid wreaths at the monument and cemetery dedicated to the Great Siege of 1565.

He then opened an exhibition of memorabilia related to the knights, entitled "Memories of the Order Conserved in Birgu", which has been put up at the Auberge de France, recently taken over by the local council as its premises.

The exhibition is presented by John Critien, Knight Resident at Fort St Angelo of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and Vittoriosa council, in collaboration with Heritage Malta and the Collegiate Chapter of St Lawrence parish church.

One room contains fascinating old photographs of Vittoriosa, while others contain vestments, uniforms, paintings, maps, and Grandmaster Jean de la Valette's sword, among other items.

Among the highlights of the display is a handmade silver cross brought by the knights from Rhodes in 1530, and a 16th century chalice.

It will be open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. until May 11. Entrance is free.